Winemaker Notes
Critical Acclaim
All VintagesBisci has really impressed me over the course of recent tastings, with a portfolio of higher-elevation Verdicchio that speaks of variety and terroir above all else. Their entry-level 2019 Verdicchio di Matelica is no exception. Honied florals, honeydew melon, crisp yellow apple and hints of citrus set the stage for soothing textures that balance ripeness of fruit against stimulating mineral tones. There’s a sweet-and-sour sensation here that creates further intrigue, as well as lending a drink-me-now persona to the wine. All is in perfect balance here. The fruit hails from the estate’s hillside vineyards at 300-350 meters, while the wine spends eight months on the lees. Drinking window: 2020 - 2026.
Bisci practices organic agriculture, but is not certified organic. Integrated insect and disease control is followed. The Marche Region monitors climatic data and informs the growers in regard to the need for disease control. To thwart mold and pests, sulfur and copper-based products are used in the vineyards. For nutritional purposes, vineyard owners use "managed" cover crops between the rows of vines. The soil is tilled to avoid competition between the roots for nutrients, water and oxygen. When needed, organic fertilizer (manure) is used after the harvest. Low doses of SO2 in the wines help preserve the wine’s quality.
Stretching along Italy’s eastern coast with neighbors, Umbria to its west and Abruzzo to its south, Marche is a region with a varying climate from north to south. Its coastal plains roll into hills that become the Apennine Mountains, which run the length of the country. The Marche's best red wines come from the grapes, Montepulciano and Sangiovese; the local Verdicchio makes refreshing, crisp and light whites.
There are hundreds of white grape varieties grown throughout the world. Some are indigenous specialties capable of producing excellent single varietal wines. Each has its own distinct viticultural characteristics, as well as aroma and flavor profiles.
