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Wines in Le Marche: All about the marchigiani wines

le marche wines

Le Marche is a region in central Italy that offers a large variety of wines, both white and red, produced from native and international vines. Though they tend to fly under the radar, the wines of Le Marche warrant attention. Located on the Adriatic Coast between Emilia-Romagna and Abruzzo, the region is relatively unsung on a global scale, but the region’s greatness is no secret to anyone who lives in Italy. The Marche boasts 5 DOCG and 15 DOC, which testify to the commitment to quality and diversification of regional wine production. For detailed information you can consult this PDF booklet by the AIS Marche (Italian Sommelier Association Marche).

Le Marche is a region of hills that have shaped its wine production for centuries. Unlike Tuscany and Veneto, where large estates dominate the industry, Le Marche’s wine makers focus on small-scale and quality-oriented practices. Many of the biggest producers in the region do not own their own vineyards, but source grapes from different local farmers or plots of land scattered throughout the area. Some of these producers are co-operatives, where each farmer has a stake in the business and benefits from the collective expertise and resources.

wines in le marche

History

The history of wine in the Marche dates back thousands of years and has been influenced by various cultures such as the Etruscans, Romans and Lombards. The presence of these different civilizations explains the richness of the winemaking tradition and the variety of wine styles in the region. Already in Roman times, the Greek historian Polybius mentioned the famous wine of the Marche, also appreciated by emperors, as Pliny the Elder testifies.

White wines

white wines

Verdicchio

Among the oldest vines in the Marche is Verdicchio, which according to some derives from Greco di Tufo, introduced by the Etruscans. Verdicchio is the symbolic wine of the Marche, which is expressed in two main denominations: Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi DOCG and Verdicchio di Matelica Riserva DOCG. The first is produced in the hilly area near Ancona, while the second comes from a more internal and mountainous area, where the climate is more continental. Both Verdicchios pair well with fish dishes, white meats and fresh cheeses.

Bianchello del Metauro

Another typical white wine of the Marche is the Bianchello del Metauro DOC, obtained from the Bianchello (or Biancame) vine, which has a delicate and floral flavour. This wine has  a history going back to 500 B.C. that has certainly stood the test of time.

Offida Pecorino

The Pecorino DOC is an intense and mineral wine which takes its name from the vine of the same name and is often touted as a red dressed in white. Pecorino is one of  Le Marche’s most versatile DOCG wines.

Offida Passerina

The Passerina IGT is a fruity and aromatic wine produced from the passerina grape – minimum 85% and the rest made up of authorised, non-aromatic white grapes of the production area. It is a wine that goes well with appetizers and first courses. The bubbly variety, called Passerina Spumante is often served with the famous Olive Ascolane.

Red Wines

red wine

Rosso Conero

As for red wines, the best known is Rosso Conero DOCG, a powerful and structured wine that comes from the Montepulciano vine, grown on the slopes of Monte Conero, near the sea. It is produced from grapes which ripen in a restricted sunny area in the foothills of the mountain which goes by the same name just south of Ancona. Rosso Conero has an intense ruby red color and a scent of black cherries and aromatic herbs. It goes well with red meats, game and mature cheeses.

Rosso Piceno Superiore

Easily one of Italy’s most famous dry red wines, the Rosso Piceno Superiore is produced in the Ancona, Ascoli Piceno, Fermo, and Macerata provinces. This wine is the one that covers the largest zone of production covering the entire lowlands and medium hills of the centre and south of the region. In the most part, the territory inhabited by the ancient Piceni. Rosso Piceno Superiore has the DOC classification and must be aged at least one year in wooden casks before it can be sold.

Lacrima di Morro d’Alba

The Lacrima di Morro d’Alba is produced by just a handful of winemakers in Le Marche and is made from red, tear-shaped grapes. This wine produced in a small area north of the River Esino in the province of Ancona with Morro d’Alba at it’s center. It is produced from the lacrima grape, native of the area. A rich ruby red with violet reflections in young wines. A pleasant, dry but smooth taste and a rich fruity nose reminiscent of bilberries and violets. One of the best wines from Le Marche, it has been DOC-classified since 1985 but is considered a beloved regional favorite.

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