Exploring Verdicchio in Marche, Italy
Verdicchio, the star white grape of Marche, produces crisp, mineral-driven wines that perfectly complement the region’s seafood-rich cuisine. This guide will help you discover the best of Verdicchio country, from picturesque hilltop towns to renowned wineries.
Towns and Villages
Jesi and Matelica are the two main centers for Verdicchio production. Jesi, a walled city with Renaissance architecture, offers a glimpse into the region’s history. Matelica, nestled in a valley, is known for its more structured Verdicchio wines.
- Cupramontana: Known as the “capital of Verdicchio,” it hosts the annual Sagra dell’Uva (Grape Festival) in October.
- Staffolo: A charming hilltop town with panoramic views and a wine museum.
- Apiro: Home to several top Verdicchio producers and beautiful countryside.
Wine Producers
Marche boasts numerous excellent Verdicchio producers. Here are some standout wineries to visit:
- Bucci: A pioneer in quality Verdicchio production, offering tours and tastings by appointment.
- Garofoli: One of the oldest family-run wineries in Marche, with a visitor-friendly facility.
- Sartarelli: Specializing exclusively in Verdicchio, they offer an educational wine museum alongside tastings.
- Collestefano: An organic winery in Matelica known for its precise, mineral-driven Verdicchio.
- Bisci: Another top Matelica producer, offering tours of their vineyards and cellar.
Always call ahead to schedule visits, as many wineries require appointments.
Accommodations
For an immersive wine experience, consider staying at an agriturismo (farm stay) or wine resort:
- Vicari Wine Resort (Morro d’Alba): Luxurious rooms amidst vineyards, with an on-site winery and restaurant.
- Agriturismo La Distesa (Cupramontana): An organic farm and winery offering simple, comfortable accommodations.
- Hotel Giardino (Jesi): A centrally located hotel with a wine bar featuring local Verdicchio.
Dining
Marche’s cuisine perfectly complements its wines. Don’t miss these restaurants:
- Andreina (Loreto): A Michelin-starred restaurant known for its traditional spit-roasted meats and extensive wine list.
- Erard (Jesi): Modern interpretations of local dishes paired with an excellent selection of Verdicchio wines.
- Da Maria (Matelica): A family-run trattoria serving authentic local specialties and regional wines.
Try local specialties like brodetto (fish stew), olive all’ascolana (stuffed fried olives), and vincisgrassi (a rich, layered pasta dish).
Wine Shops & Bars
Explore these top wine shops and bars to taste local Verdicchio and other regional wines:
- Enoteca Regionale delle Marche (Jesi): Official regional wine shop with an extensive selection of Marche wines.
- La Cantina di Bacco (Cupramontana): Cozy wine bar offering tastings and local appetizers.
- Vineria del Vasaro (Matelica): Charming wine bar featuring Verdicchio di Matelica and artisanal cheeses.
- Enoteca La Nicchia (Staffolo): Well-stocked shop with knowledgeable staff and tasting events.
Other Shops
Complement your wine experience with local specialties:
- Salumeria Calabresi (Jesi): Traditional delicatessen offering cured meats and cheeses.
- Oleificio Cartechini (Matelica): Family-run olive oil producer with a shop selling high-quality extra virgin olive oil.
- Tartufi Antiche Bontà (Acqualagna): Truffle shop selling fresh and preserved truffles, perfect for pairing with Verdicchio.
Attractions
Between wine tastings, explore these cultural and natural attractions:
- Palazzo Pianetti (Jesi): 18th-century palace housing an art gallery with works by Lorenzo Lotto.
- Frasassi Caves (near Genga): Stunning underground cave system with guided tours.
- Conero Regional Park: Coastal nature reserve offering hiking trails and beautiful beaches.
- Teatro Pergolesi (Jesi): Historic opera house hosting performances and guided tours.
Events
Plan your visit around these wine-focused events:
- Sagra dell’Uva (Cupramontana, October): Annual grape festival celebrating the Verdicchio harvest.
- Verdicchio in Festa (Matelica, June): Street festival featuring local wines, food, and music.
- Lacrima Wine Festival (Morro d’Alba, July): Celebration of the local red Lacrima di Morro d’Alba wine.
- Tipicità (Fermo, March): Food and wine fair showcasing Marche’s culinary traditions.
Appellations
Understand the main wine appellations of the region:
- Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi DOC/DOCG: Larger production area, known for fresh, crisp styles.
- Verdicchio di Matelica DOC/DOCG: Smaller, higher-altitude area producing more structured wines.
- Rosso Conero DOC/DOCG: Red wine appellation near the coast, based on Montepulciano grapes.
- Lacrima di Morro d’Alba DOC: Unique red wine with distinctive floral aromas.
Grape Varieties
Verdicchio is the star grape of Marche, Italy. This white variety produces crisp, refreshing wines with notes of citrus and almonds.
Other grapes grown in the region include:
- Trebbiano
- Passerina
- Pecorino
- Montepulciano (for red wines)
Main Wine Styles
Marche’s wine scene revolves around Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi and Verdicchio di Matelica. These whites range from light and crisp to rich and complex.
Other notable styles include:
- Rosso Conero (red)
- Rosso Piceno (red blend)
- Offida Pecorino (white)
Food Specialties
Marche’s cuisine pairs perfectly with its wines. Local specialties include:
- Olive all’Ascolana: Stuffed, fried olives
- Vincisgrassi: A rich, layered pasta dish
- Brodetto: Fish stew
- Ciauscolo: Spreadable salami
Drives & Walks
Explore Marche’s scenic landscapes with these routes:
- Conero Riviera Drive: Coastal route with stunning sea views
- Verdicchio Wine Road: Winding through vineyards and medieval towns
- Monte Conero Hike: Trails offering panoramic vistas of the Adriatic
Itineraries
3-Day Verdicchio Tour:
- Day 1: Jesi – Visit wineries, explore the old town
- Day 2: Matelica – Taste Verdicchio di Matelica, tour historic sites
- Day 3: Conero Coast – Beach relaxation, seafood dining
Week-long Marche Wine Adventure:
- Start in Ancona, explore Conero wines
- Move to Jesi and Matelica for Verdicchio tastings
- Head south to Ascoli Piceno for Rosso Piceno and local cuisine
- Finish in Offida to sample Pecorino wines
Getting There & Around
Ancona Airport is the main gateway to Marche. From there, you can:
- Rent a car for flexibility in exploring vineyards
- Take buses to major towns like Jesi and Macerata
- Use trains for intercity travel
A car is recommended for visiting remote wineries and scenic drives.
Best Time to Visit
September to October is ideal for wine enthusiasts. You’ll experience:
- Grape harvest activities
- Pleasant weather for outdoor exploration
- Local wine festivals
Spring (April-May) offers blooming landscapes and fewer tourists.
Sustainability Efforts
Marche’s wine industry is increasingly eco-friendly:
- Organic vineyards are on the rise
- Many producers use solar energy
- Water conservation techniques are common
Look for wineries with sustainability certifications for eco-conscious tastings.
Language Tips
Basic Italian phrases enhance your wine experience:
- “Vino bianco/rosso” – White/red wine
- “Cantina” – Winery
- “Degustazione” – Tasting
- “Salute!” – Cheers!
Most wineries offer English tours, but learning a few words is appreciated.
Further Resources
Enhance your Marche wine journey with these resources:
- Vini delle Marche – Official regional wine website
- Marche Tourism – Regional tourism information
- “Marche Wine and Food” by André Dominé – Comprehensive guide book
Download wine apps like Vivino for on-the-go tasting notes and ratings.
