Marche

Discovering Marche: A Wine Lover’s Paradise

Nestled along Italy’s eastern coast, Marche offers a perfect blend of stunning landscapes, rich history, and exceptional wines. This hidden gem boasts rolling hills, picturesque beaches, and charming medieval towns, making it an ideal destination for wine enthusiasts and curious travelers alike.

Towns and Villages

Marche’s towns and villages are steeped in history and charm. Urbino, a UNESCO World Heritage site, showcases Renaissance architecture and art. Ascoli Piceno boasts a beautiful main square, Piazza del Popolo, lined with travertine buildings.

• Jesi: Known for its Verdicchio wine production
• Offida: Home to the unique Pecorino grape variety
• Matelica: Another hub for Verdicchio wines

Wine Producers

Marche’s wine scene is diverse and exciting. Here are some top producers to visit:

• Umani Ronchi: Renowned for Verdicchio and Rosso Conero wines
• Garofoli: One of the oldest family-owned wineries in Marche
• Velenosi: Offers a wide range of wines, including Rosso Piceno and Offida Pecorino
• Ciù Ciù: Organic winery specializing in indigenous grape varieties

Many wineries offer tours and tastings, but it’s best to book in advance.

Accommodations

Marche offers a range of accommodations to suit every taste and budget:

• Agriturismo: Farm stays offering an authentic rural experience
• Boutique hotels: Luxurious options in historic buildings
• Beach resorts: Perfect for combining wine tours with seaside relaxation

Consider staying at Borgo Storico Seghetti Panichi in Ascoli Piceno for a unique wine country experience.

Dining

Marche’s cuisine perfectly complements its wines. Don’t miss these culinary experiences:

• Vincisgrassi: A local lasagna variation
• Olive all’Ascolana: Stuffed and fried olives
• Brodetto: Fish stew with regional variations

Try Osteria del Pozzo in Urbino for traditional Marchigian dishes paired with local wines.

Wine Shops & Bars

Marche offers numerous wine shops and bars for tasting local wines. Some standout options include:

• Enoteca Regionale delle Marche in Jesi: Showcases a wide selection of regional wines
• La Cantina del Politeama in Ancona: A cozy wine bar with an extensive local wine list
• Vino e Visciole in Pesaro: Specializes in traditional Marche wines and local products

Many shops offer wine tastings and the opportunity to purchase bottles directly from producers.

Other Shops

Beyond wine, Marche boasts excellent local products. Look for:

• Olive oil from the Cartoceto DOP region
• Truffles from Acqualagna, especially during the autumn truffle fairs
• Handmade shoes in the Le Marche shoe district around Fermo and Macerata

Visit Mercato delle Erbe in Ancona for fresh local produce and specialties.

Attractions

While exploring Marche’s wine country, don’t miss these attractions:

• Frasassi Caves: Spectacular limestone caverns near Genga
• Conero Riviera: Beautiful beaches and cliffs along the Adriatic coast
• Palazzo Ducale in Urbino: A masterpiece of Renaissance architecture
• Leopardi’s House in Recanati: Home of the famous Italian poet Giacomo Leopardi

Many wineries also offer cultural experiences, such as art exhibitions or concerts in their cellars.

Events

Plan your visit around these wine-related events:

• Cantine Aperte (Open Cellars): Held annually in May, wineries across Marche open their doors to visitors
• Festa del Verdicchio in Matelica: Celebrates the region’s famous white wine in August
• Offida Wine Festival: Showcases local wines and foods in September

Check local event calendars for wine tastings, harvest festivals, and food fairs throughout the year.

Appellations

Marche’s wine regions include several DOC and DOCG appellations:

• Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi DOC/DOCG: Known for crisp white wines
• Rosso Conero DOC/DOCG: Produces full-bodied red wines from Montepulciano grapes
• Offida DOCG: Includes white Pecorino and red Rosso wines
• Vernaccia di Serrapetrona DOCG: Unique sparkling red wine

Visit wineries in these regions to taste the distinctive characteristics of each appellation.

Grape Varieties

Marche’s unique terroir produces distinctive wines from both native and international grape varieties. Verdicchio reigns supreme among white grapes, while Montepulciano dominates reds.

• White grapes: Verdicchio, Pecorino, Passerina, Trebbiano
• Red grapes: Montepulciano, Sangiovese, Lacrima

Main Wine Styles

Marche offers a diverse range of wine styles, from crisp whites to bold reds. Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi and Rosso Conero are standout appellations.

• Crisp, mineral-driven white wines from Verdicchio
• Full-bodied red wines from Montepulciano
• Aromatic whites from Pecorino and Passerina
• Unique, floral reds from Lacrima di Morro d’Alba

Food Specialties

Marche’s cuisine reflects its diverse landscape, from coastal seafood to hearty inland dishes. Local specialties pair perfectly with regional wines.

• Olive Ascolane: Stuffed and fried olives from Ascoli Piceno
• Vincisgrassi: Rich, layered pasta dish
• Brodetto: Fish stew with regional variations
• Ciauscolo: Spreadable salami

Drives & Walks

Explore Marche’s picturesque landscapes through scenic drives and walks. Combine wine tasting with breathtaking views of rolling hills and medieval towns.

Scenic Drives

• Conero Riviera: Coastal route with stunning sea views
• Verdicchio Wine Road: Through the heart of Verdicchio country

Wine Walks

• Offida Wine Trail: Explore vineyards and taste Pecorino wines
• Morro d’Alba Walk: Discover Lacrima di Morro d’Alba wines

Itineraries

Plan your Marche wine adventure with these curated itineraries. Each route offers a mix of wine tasting, cultural experiences, and local cuisine.

3-Day Verdicchio Explorer

1. Day 1: Jesi and Castelli di Jesi wineries
2. Day 2: Matelica and surrounding vineyards
3. Day 3: Conero coast and Rosso Conero tasting

5-Day Marche Wine Tour

1. Day 1-2: Ascoli Piceno and Offida (Pecorino wines)
2. Day 3: Macerata and Verdicchio di Matelica
3. Day 4: Jesi and Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi
4. Day 5: Ancona and Rosso Conero

Getting There & Around

The main airport serving Marche is Ancona-Falconara Airport. From there, renting a car is the best way to explore the region’s wineries and countryside.

• By train: Frequent connections from major Italian cities to Ancona, Pesaro, and Ascoli Piceno
• By car: A14 motorway runs along the coast, while SS76 connects to inland areas
• Local buses: Connect major towns, but services can be limited in rural areas

Best Time to Visit

Spring (April-June) and autumn (September-October) offer ideal weather for wine tasting and outdoor activities. These seasons also coincide with harvest and wine festivals.

• Spring: Mild temperatures, blooming landscapes, fewer crowds
• Autumn: Harvest season, wine festivals, comfortable temperatures
• Summer: Busy coastal areas, perfect for beach and wine combinations
• Winter: Quieter period, ideal for exploring local culture and cuisine

Sustainability Efforts

Marche’s wine industry is increasingly focusing on sustainable practices. Many wineries are adopting organic and biodynamic viticulture.

• Organic vineyards: Growing number of certified organic producers
• Water conservation: Implementing efficient irrigation systems
• Biodiversity: Encouraging natural pest control through habitat preservation
• Energy efficiency: Solar panels and green building practices in wineries

Language Tips

While English is spoken in tourist areas, learning a few Italian phrases will enhance your wine tasting experience and interactions with locals.

• Vino: Wine
• Salute: Cheers
• Cantina: Winery
• Degustazione: Tasting
• Rosso/Bianco: Red/White

Further Resources

Enhance your Marche wine journey with these additional resources:

• Vini delle Marche: Official website for Marche wines
• Turismo Marche: Regional tourism portal
• Wine apps: Vivino or CellarTracker for tasting notes and ratings
• Books: “Italian Wine Unplugged Grape by Grape” for in-depth varietal information