Marche
Principal Varietals: (W) Verdicchio
With the Appennine Mountains to the West and striking Adriatic coastline to the East, Marche is the best of both worlds. The softly contoured, green valleys that lie between these two landscapes are the heart of Marchigiano wine country. A patchwork of vineyards, fields, and forests blanket the landscape of rolling hills, narrow valleys, and sometimes mountainous peaks. Marche’s relatively dry climate and gentle Adriatic breezes offer consistency and ideal conditions for the Verdicchio grapes.
Verdicchio has a distinct nose and flavor that typically offers light herbs, crisp green fruit, and refreshing yet balanced acidity. Marche’s ideal terroir and climate combined with a skillful winemaker allows Verdicchio to stand out as one of the most distinctive and interesting white wines of Italy. Although Verdicchio rules in Marche, its red wines are gaining both popularity and critical praise. Sangiovese and Montepulciano make up the best reds. They are the primary grapes used in the Rosso Conero and Rosso Piceno DOC zones. A well cared for the Sangiovese of Le Marches can be savory and woodsy, and the typically fruity Montepulciano gains structure and depth.
Marche’s varying landscape results in varied cuisine as well. Vincisgrassi, sort of a local version of lasagna, is made from rabbit, pork, and beef. Porchetta is popular too. Some say the Marchigiani eat more meat than any other Italians, but with one of the longest coastlines in Italy, seafood is easy to find too. Rosso Conero and Piceno pair well with the abundance of grilled meats and local truffles, but for a match made in heaven, try a Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi paired with fresh seafood. Baccala (dried cod), mussels, and brodetto all’Anconetana (13 fish stew) are all popular here. Whether the fish is crudo (raw), fried, or simply prepared, you will not be disappointed with a glass of Verdicchio; Italy’s premier wine to pair with fish. For some of the best food in Marche, try Le Busche, high in the vineyards near Montecarotto, or leave the car and take the short walk to Il Clandestino, an Italian ’susci’ restaurant on the beach at Portonovo.
