Verdicchio

Verdicchio is a well-regarded, versatile white wine which has been produced for centuries in the Marche region of central Italy, mostly in the undulating hills which border the Adriatic coastline. This delicious Italian white is usually single varietal, made with 100% Verdicchio grapes, although it is possible to find Verdicchio wines which include up to 15% other local grapes, such as Malvasia. Its name loosely translates as ‘greenish’ (from verde, the Italian for green), owing to the faint yellowy-green tonalities exhibited by the wine when held up to the light. Interestingly, Verdicchio is genetically identical to another Italian white wine grape, Trebbiano di Soave, which is principally grown in the Veneto region, and often blended with Chardonnay to produce another of Italy’s world-famous whites, Soave.

What does Verdicchio taste like? In general, a classic Verdicchio has high acidity, and fresh, citrussy aromas – notes of grapefruit and lemon are common. Another common characteristic of these wines is an almond flavour, which may be more bitter and green when the wine is young, or fuller and sweeter with age. Mineral and herbaceous flavours may be joined by peach or floral notes in older bottles. Two DOCGs exist for Verdicchio: the Castelli di Jesi Verdicchio Classico Riserva and the Verdicchio di Matelica Riserva. The former has an intense taste profile with marked floral notes and fruit flavours including citrus, peach, apple and pear. It is persistent on the palate, with a lasting finish. Try Castelli di Jesi Verdicchio Classico Riserva from the Montecappone, Pievalta, or Ca’ Liptra wineries for example. The Matelica version, on the other hand, has a decisive structure and clean freshness, making it an ideal partner for white meat. Wineries producing Verdicchio di Matelica include La Monacesca, Cavalieri, and Collestefano. Both DOCGs also produce a spumante (sparkling) and passito (sweet) style Verdicchio, further confirming this grape’s versatility.

Another member of the Verdicchio family is the DOC Castelli di Jesi, producing both Verdicchio Classico and Classico Superiore styles. These are truly crowd-pleasing wines which pair just as well with fish as with formaggio di fossa (a special cheese matured in pits, or ‘fosse’, of tuff rock in the Romagna region). Marotti Campi’s Albiano is a good entry-level Classico variety, with a pleasing minerality and delicate structure. For a slightly fuller taste profile, and longer finish, try Velenosi’s Querciantica – the perfect match for a special dinner with friends. amphora-shaped bottle.

Which foods pair well with Verdicchio? An immensely versatile wine, Verdicchio wine is popularly paired with a wide range of dishes. Its citrussy notes make it a great match for seafood recipes, whilst its clean, crisp profile easily balances slightly richer or fried dishes. Seeds, nuts and pulses also pair well with Verdicchio, thanks to its almondy taste: think toasted pumpkin seeds on vegetarian main courses, nuts in stir fries, and warm chickpea salads, for example. It can also easily handle more robust flavours such as pesto and olive-based sauces. Avoid too much vinegar in your dressings however – Verdicchio has plenty of acidity already.

Our online store brings you the best Verdicchio wines from all the most famous producers, including the historic winery Fazi Battaglia, which has been instrumental in shaping this variety’s history. Founded after the Second World War thanks to the union of the Fazi and Battaglia families, this winery produces several Castelli di Jesi Verdicchio wines, most notably “Titulus” – a curvy, which is instantly recognisable world-wide and has come to be almost synonymous with Verdicchio. In addition to this legend of Verdicchio wine making, you can of course find a selection of bottles from all the best wineries of the Marche: great wines which will bring a convivial touch to all your meals.