Wines from Le Marche

As with the rest of Italy, the locals tend to keep the best wines for themselves and the domestic market. Le Marche is no exception and is often overshadowed by neighbouring Tuscany though the same grapes are grown in both regions. The red, white, sparkling and fortified wines all represent excellent value for money. The best wines are given the DOC (Denominazione di Origine Controllata) quality assurance appellation which is clearly shown on the labels.

WHITES

The best known whites from Le Marche are made from the Verdicchio grape. The most famous being Verdicchio di Castelli Jesi which is often found in characteristic amphora shaped bottles. These light, bright, crisp whites are extremely refreshing and a perfect accompaniment to fish and seafood. The neighbouring area of Verdicchio di Matelica produces a slightly fuller flavoured wine. For those seeking big New World flavours will be disappointed as Italian whites are more subtle as a rule. Fuller flavours and richness can be found in Verdicchio classified as 'Superiore' and 'Classico Superiore'. The best producers are Bucci, Umani Ronchi, Sartarelli and Garofoli.
From the north of Le Marche comes the wonderfully fresh Biancello del Mautauro made around Pesaro from the uniquely Italian grape Biancame. It is is great summer drinking wine and you should always choose the most recent vintage for maximum benefit.The best producer is Umani Rochi. Around Ascoli Piceno in the south comes Falerio dei Colli Ascolani. This is made from the well known Trebbiano grape and produces a light, crisp wine of which Cocci Grifoni is widely accepted as making the best. Chardonnay is making in-roads in the region though the wine produced is a light shadow of its lush, rich New World cousins. Bianco delle Marche is the most everyday category of the region's whites.It is usually made from the Trebbiano grape and is dry and light.

REDS

The reds of Le Marche are very similar to those of neighbouring Chianti except that they are richer and smoother. The main areas of production are Rosso Conero from around Ancona and Rosso Piceno from the southern half of the region. The wines from Conero are the richer and firmer of the two areas due to the blend tending to contain more of the Montepulcaino grape softened with the addition of Sangiovese. These wines have good structure and depth of dark fruit flavour and are perfect with meat dishes. The wines labelled ' Riserva' are aged in oak barrels and this gives the wines a vanilla flavoured softness. The best producers are Moroder, La Terrazze, Monte Schiavo and Garofoli.

Softer, juicier reds are produced south of the craggy outcrop of Monte Conero; here the Sangiovese grape dominates the blend. Though the percentage of the Sangiovese/ Montepulciano blend differs from producer to producer, the overall result is a more gluggable red to Conero. There are many well-made Picenos of which the best are produced by Saputi, Cocci Grifoni and Villa Pigna although many local Cantinas produce a very acceptable drop which are often served as the Vino Rosso della Casa in many restaurants across the region. From close to Jesi comes a unique flavoured red from the villages centered on Morro D'Alba. Lacrima di Morro d'Alba is a fruity, soft red which bursts with sweet cherry flavours. Not very much is made but is worth seeking out especially those from Rubico and Falcone Reale. Cabernet Sauvignon has been recently introduced to the area but is rare. Rosso delle Marche is invariably made from the Sangiovese grape and produces a pleasant, light red.

OTHERS

Unique to the region is a fortified wine called Vino Cotto. As the name suggests, this Malmsey like wine is produced from slowly heating wine-musts for days, followed by fortification with spirits. This deliciously thick, rich, sweet wine is enjoyed at the end of a meal, dunked with almond biscuits. It is available in many restaurants but the fact that it is often homemade means that it is rarely found in shops. A very sweet, sparkling red wine called Vernaccia di Serrapetrona is also enjoyed with pudding. Lunch is often preceeded with a sparkling Prosecco made from the Verdicchio grape. The best local producers are Fazi-Battaglia and Zaccagnini.

Wine appreciation and vineyard tours can be arranged. Email info@holidayinmarche for details

LATEST NEWS: Rosso Conero,the full-bodied red, has now been granted the prestigious DOC rank - a new addition to the other wines entitled to this superior classification. The wine produced around the Conero Peninsula will be able to put it on the label from 2006 onwards.

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