Food & Wine: Wine & Wineries
Top 5 Wineries in Le Marche!
Le Marche is home to numerous outstanding wineries that produce high-quality wines. Each of these wineries represents the dedication to quality, tradition, and innovation that characterizes the winemaking scene in the region. Exploring the wines and visiting these wineries will provide a deeper understanding and appreciation of the rich viticultural heritage of Le Marche.
While it is challenging to narrow it down to just a few, here are some top wineries in Le Marche:
1 - Umani Ronchi
Umani Ronchi is a renowned winery with vineyards in both the Marche and Abruzzo regions. They are known for producing exceptional wines such as Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi and Rosso Conero. Their commitment to sustainable viticulture and their dedication to quality winemaking have earned them international recognition.
2 - Fattoria Le Terrazze
Located in the province of Ancona, Fattoria Le Terrazze is a family-run winery that focuses on producing organic and biodynamic wines. They specialize in Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi, Rosso Piceno, and Lacrima di Morro d'Alba. Their wines showcase the distinct characteristics of the region.
3 - Garofoli
Garofoli is a historic winery that has been producing wines for over a century. They are renowned for their Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi, including their single-vineyard wines. Garofoli is committed to traditional winemaking methods and sustainable practices, resulting in wines of exceptional quality.
4 - Saladini Pilastri
Situated in the Fermo region, Saladini Pilastri is known for its organic and biodynamic winemaking practices. They produce a range of wines, including Rosso Piceno, Pecorino, and Passerina. The winery is also committed to preserving the biodiversity of the land and has implemented several conservation projects.
5 - Bucci
Bucci is a historic winery that has been producing Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi wines for generations. They are known for their meticulous vineyard management and their focus on traditional winemaking techniques. Bucci's Verdicchio wines are highly regarded for their complexity, elegance, and aging potential.
DOC & DOCG Wine
In Le Marche, as in many Italian wine regions, the terms DOC stands for "Denominazione di Origine Controllata," which translates to "Controlled Designation of Origin" in English. DOCG stands for "Denominazione di Origine Controllata e Garantita," translating to "Controlled and Guaranteed Designation of Origin." In essence, while both DOC and DOCG indicate quality and origin, DOCG wines adhere to even more rigorous standards and are often seen as the epitome of Italian wine excellence. The distinction between the two designations provides consumers with a reliable guide to the quality and authenticity of the wine they're purchasing.
DOC Wines
1. Regulations
DOC wines are governed by strict regulations concerning grape varieties, winemaking techniques, aging, and geographical origin.
2. Quality Assurance
These regulations ensure a certain standard of quality and authenticity while safeguarding traditional winemaking practices.
3. Geographical Indication
The designation signifies that the wine comes from a specific region known for its unique environmental and historical factors.
4. Examples in Le Marche
Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi, Rosso Conero, Lacrima di Morro d'Alba, among others.
DOCG Wines
1. Higher Quality
DOCG is a step higher in quality than DOC and represents the pinnacle of Italian wine quality assurance.
2. Stricter Regulations
These wines adhere to even more stringent regulations in terms of grape production, winemaking processes, aging, and quality control.
3. Guaranteed Origin
DOCG wines ensure the highest level of authenticity and quality, typically tied to specific historic areas renowned for their winemaking excellence.
4. Examples in Le Marche
Vernaccia di Serrapetrona is the only DOCG wine in Le Marche, known for its unique sparkling red made from the Vernaccia Nera grape.
Top 10 Wines in Le Marche
In Le Marche, there are several outstanding DOC (Denominazione di Origine Controllata) and DOCG (Denominazione di Origine Controllata e Garantita) wines, showcasing the region's diversity and quality. Here are some of the notable ones:
1. Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi DOC
A renowned white wine made from the Verdicchio grape, known for its crisp acidity, citrus flavors, and herbal notes.
2. Verdicchio di Matelica DOC
Another excellent Verdicchio-based white wine, often displaying more structure and minerality compared to the Castelli di Jesi version.
3. Rosso Conero DOCG
Primarily crafted from Montepulciano grapes, this red wine, produced around Mount Conero, offers robust flavors of dark fruits, spices, and firm tannins.
4. Rosso Piceno DOC
A red wine blend of Montepulciano and Sangiovese grapes, featuring a balanced profile with fruity and spicy notes.
5. Lacrima di Morro d'Alba DOC
Made from the Lacrima grape, this red wine is aromatic, with floral scents and flavors of berries and spices.
6. Colli Pesaresi Bianchello del Metauro DOC
A white wine often made from the Biancame grape, offering a fresh, crisp profile with floral and fruity aromas.
7. Falerio dei Colli Ascolani DOC
A blend of Trebbiano, Pecorino, and Passerina grapes, creating a balanced and versatile white wine with floral and fruity notes.
8. Esino DOC
This appellation covers a range of wines, both red and white, produced in the Esino River valley, showcasing the diversity of the region's terroir and grape varieties.
9. Terreni di Sanseverino Rosso Piceno Superiore DOC
An elevated version of Rosso Piceno, this wine undergoes longer aging, resulting in more complex flavors and structure.
10. Vernaccia di Serrapetrona DOCG
A unique sparkling red wine made from the Vernaccia Nera grape, offering a fizzy, fruity, and slightly sweet profile.