From: Marche, Italy
Varietal: Verdicchio
Taste: From vineyards in the green, gently rolling hills of the Marche cooled by the maritime influence of the Adriatic Sea, this charming Verdicchio has been a customer favorite since our first vintage back in 2015, and not simply because of its affordability. It’s a do-everything white perfectly poised between richness and refreshment, with a pleasing, peachy viscosity countered by a crisp, herbal finish. Light enough to pair with salads, but substantial enough to accompany pan-seared salmon or a simple roast chicken.
—Dustin Soiseth
Pairing: A great aperitif wine served alongside marcona almonds, Prosciutto, savory tarts, potato-cheese puff pastries, quiche and savory soufflés (see recipe below - Pierogi Ruskie (Potato and Cheese Pierogi) ). Also pairs deliciously with white fish, seafood risotto, crab, and clams.
Pierogi Ruskie (Potato and Cheese Pierogi)
Recipe from Bar Prasowy
Adapted by Amelia Nierenberg
About. As with every region in Italy, the Marche is a world all unto itself. On Italy’s less traveled Adriatic coast, in between Emilia-Romagna and Abruzzo, the Marche is relatively sparsely populated, and largely composed of gently rolling hills, green with agriculture, that end along steep limestone bluffs on the coast. This is the home of the Verdicchio grape, whose name comes from the root verde, describing both the greenish hue of the grapes and the resulting wine. The Castelli di Jesi DOC is one of the largest of the zones in which Verdicchio is grown and surrounds the town of Jesi and its ancient fortifications.
The vineyards of Colleleva (Colle “hill”, and si Leva, “rises”) lie on the heights of the Marche: about halfway between the Apennine mountains and the coastline of the Adriatic Sea. The combination of eastern sun exposure and the cooling winds from the Adriatic provide an optimal microclimate for balancing ripeness with fresh acidity in the grapes. Verdicchio, also known as Trebbiano di Soave, has been cultivated in the Marche for many centuries. It is capable of making vibrantly fresh and crisp white wines that are a wonderful accompaniment to seafood.
Coming from 30-year-old vines the grapes are hand harvested, fermented for three weeks in stainless steel. No malolactic fermentation. Aged three months in stainless steel, and another two months in bottle before release.