Il Conte Villa Prandone: A Family Legacy of Quality Wine in Marche
Nestled in the Piceno area of the Marche region along Italy’s Adriatic coast, Il Conte Villa Prandone
Winery is a hidden gem that has garnered international acclaim for its wines and this lesser-known
region. Operated by the de Angelis family, they have crafted wines for over seventy years.
The de Angelis Family Legacy
Il Conte Villa Prandone was founded in 1950 by Amilcare de Angelis, who started with just seven
hectares of vineyards near Monteprandone. The winery’s unique name reflects both its family legacy
and regional history. “Il Conte” refers to Amilcare, who was affectionately called “the count”
in the Marche dialect. Villa Prandone also nods to the nearby medieval town, grounding the winery in
the cultural fabric of the area.
Now led by Amilcare’s son Marino and his four children, including winemaker Emmanuel, the family
continues to honor the local traditions while embracing the modern wine world. Growing up in the
winery, Emmanuel began working in the vineyards at just thirteen. For him and his siblings, working the
land was an expectation, but for the next generation of de Angelis – ten grandchildren in total – it will be
a choice, representing a commitment to both continuity and change.
A Rich History of Community
For the de Angelis family, making wine is more than a business; it’s a calling. In Amilcare’s day, the
winery produced bulk wines primarily for the local community, with the entire town pitching in for
harvest, which they saw as a sacred gift from God. Says Emmanuel de Angelis, “We have tried to
maximize the expression of our vineyards. We have reduced the production per hectare to obtain
greater expression of the fruit and brought forward the harvests to make wines with a balanced alcohol
content and a marked acidity.”
Since then, the winery has expanded its estate to 50 hectares, planted in clay and limestone soils 250 to
300 meters above sea level. This terroir, combined with the Adriatic breezes, imbues the wines with a
unique minerality and freshness. While Montepulciano and Sangiovese are the most prominent grape
varieties, the estate also cultivates lesser-known native white varieties, such as Pecorino and Passerina.
December 20, 2019: The Day That Changed Everything
On December 20, 2019, Il Conte Villa Prandone’s Marinus, a blend of Sangiovese and Montepulciano,
earned a coveted spot on Wine Spectator’s Top 100 list. This recognition was transformative, catapulting
both the winery and the Marche region onto the international stage. Following the announcement, the
winery was flooded with inquiries from people worldwide eager to taste Marinus.
This accolade validated decades of hard work and passion for the de Angelis family. Says Mara de
Angelis, it also cemented their commitment to “producing wines of outstanding quality—no longer just
quality wine ‘from Marche,’ but quality wine, period.” The Top 100 listing opened up new opportunities,
allowing Il Conte to expand its reach and set a higher bar for other wineries in the region.
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Il Conte Villa Prandone produces 20,000 cases of wine and exports 70% of its production, with the
United States as its largest market. With distribution across 28 US states, the winery has established a
solid presence abroad. Its wines are known for their freshness and balance, enhanced by the cooling
sirocco winds blowing in from the southeast.
Leading Marche to the International Stage
In the Piceno area of Marche, where winemaking is still primarily a family affair, Il Conte Villa Prandone
stands out. Despite its relatively small scale compared to Italy’s larger wine-producing regions, Marche
has the potential to compete on the world stage. Il Conte Villa Prandone has demonstrated that this
region's wines can achieve quality, balance, and power.
The de Angelis family hopes their success will inspire other wineries in the region to pursue similar paths
of quality. They envision a future in which Marche wines gain greater recognition globally, contributing
to a rising tide that lifts all wineries in the region.
From Local Roots to Global Recognition
Il Conte Villa Prandone’s journey is a true Cinderella story—an unassuming winery from a lesser-known
region that has risen to international fame through dedication, passion, and the power of family. The de
Angelis family has transformed their winery into a treasure, embracing both tradition and innovation. As
they continue to pass down their legacy to the next generation, Il Conte Villa Prandone will undoubtedly
play a leading role in elevating Marche wines on the global stage. Shares Emmanuel, “We are convinced
that every market has a potential clientele that appreciates wines of identity, fruit, brightness, and joy,
with a story behind them and a lot to tell.”