Winemaker Notes
Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi boasts a microclimate well suited for lighter and fresher Verdicchio expression. Clay and limestone amplify minerality and freshness of fruit character. A tell-tale varietal note of all Verdicchio is often described as sweet almond. Verdicchio is a non-aromatic variety, but expect a streak of citrus to show, especially lime. Because Verdicchio maintains high levels of tartaric acidity, the wines can be crisp, refreshing and highly age-worthy.
Verdicchio brilliantly pairs with Fritto Misto, and within the context of local fare, all things seafood are natural go-to pairings. Because of the added textural richness from long lees aging, diverse crudo preparations and seafood-inspired pasta dishes are natural matches.
Professional Ratings
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
From a warm vintage, the Pievalta 2015 Castelli di Jesi Verdicchio Riserva Classico San Paolo also celebrates the year Silvia and Alessandro Fenino's son was born. The wine offers yellow fruit tones of apricot and mango with hints of flint stone and kerosene. Those elegant tertiary notes are only just beginning at this stage. The 2015 vintage delivers more overall richness and fruit weight.
One of central Italy’s classic white grapes, Verdicchio thrives in two distinct zones of the Marche. The best vineyards of Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi adorn hillsides a mere 20 miles from the Adriatic Sea. The vineyards of the smaller, more inland Verdicchio di Matelica, are at higher elevation. Somm Secret—Recent genetic discoveries have proven that the Verdicchio grape is identical to Trebbiano di Soave, Trebbiano di Lugana and Trebbiano Veltenesi.
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.