Portfolio of Wines from Marche
First settled by the Piceni, warlike sea-traders from mythical Illyria, and later by refugees from Magna Graecia, evidence of winemaking in the Marche goes back more than 10,0000 years. Petrified grapes whose DNA matches that of today's Verdicchio have been recently discovered.
The hilly topography and clay-based soil along with the tempering influence of the Adriatic is perfect terroir for Verdicchio, arguably Italy's most age-worthy white wine, as well as for potentially excellent red Rosso Piceno and Rosso Conero from Sangiovese and Montepulciano grapes.
One of the most unique native grapes of Italy is still cultivated here, the rare red Lacrima di Morro d'Alba which produces a purple “tear” to indicate the moment of perfect ripeness.
Wines of Belisario
Grapes: 100% Verdicchio
Vineyards: East slopes of the Alta Valle Esina to the foot of Mount San Vicino; heavy thinning
Vinification: All stainless steel fermentation
Aging: Temperature-controlled
U.S. allocation: 2,500 cases
Alcohol: 12.5%
Service: 50-54° F
Verdicchio di Matelica DOC "Vignetti del Cerro"
Grown at high elevation in what was once an inland sea, a unique terroir, complex mineral deposits, and late harvests (sometimes in the snow) give this white wine the structure of a red. The higher concentration of fruit results from the continental climate, which allows the grapes to hang ten days longer than nearby Verdicchio di Jesi DOC.
Honey and elder flower on the nose, apricot on the palette layers into a long mineral finish. This wine is produced in the traditional manner for Verdicchio, aged 100 percent in stainless steel. Intended for hot antipasti, pasta, light game, and fish dishes.
Grapes: 100% Verdicchio
Vineyards: East slopes of the Alta Valle Esina to the foot of Mount San Vicino
Vinification: Cryomaceration
Aging: Temperature-controlled in stainless steel and barrique for a minimum of 1 yr, further aged at least 1 yr in the bottle
U.S. allocation: 330cases
Alcohol: 13%
Service: 59°
Verdicchio di Matelica DOC Riserva "Cambrugiano"
Ranked among the finest white wines in Italy, Belisario's Verdicchio di Matelica Riserva "Cambrugiano" earned Gambero Rosso's highest "tre bicchiere" rating in 2006. From the best high-elevation vineyards to late harvest, cold fermentation, and partial ageing in barrique, this wine epitomizes Matelica's reputation for producing powerful white wines.
Floral, vanilla, savory, apricot, and herbs with a long, mineral finish. Pairs excellently with white meats, ripe cheeses, strong pasta dishes, and elaborate fish plates.
Wines of Montecappone
Grapes: 100% Verdicchio
Vineyards: Clayey, silty soil; bilateral guyot-trained; circa 3,000 plants/acre
Vinification: Fermentation without the skins, sur lies for 9 mos, no malolactic
Aging: 18 mos in stainless steel and barrique
Alcohol: 14.5%
Service: 53-55°, benefits from aeration
Verdicchio dei Castelli Castelli di Jesi DOC Classico Riserva "Utopia"
From oxygen-free cryomaceration to sur lies, this Riserva aspires to portray the essence of the Verdicchio grape. Thirty percent is matured in variously aged French oak, and is seamlessly blended back into the seventy percent steel-aged. With strong scents of pear, pineapple, and green herbs, this full-blown modern-style Verdicchio is seductive and opulent.
Except for a hint of vanilla on the nose, no evidence of oak competes with the sumptuous mouth-feel and elegant conclusion to this memorable white wine. Pair with grilled fish, white-fleshed fish, crab and sushi.
Wines of Badiali
Grapes: 100% Lacrima di Morro d'Alba
Vinification: All stainless steel
Aging: All stainless steel
Annual Production: 500 cases
Alcohol: 13.5%
Service: 61-64°
Lacrima di Morro dí'Alba DOC
This fresh, racy varietal, grows in the smallest appellation in Italy (250 acres). Ruby flecked with violet in the glass, rose petals and spice on the nose, it has "an explosive up-front mix of fruit, spice, and perfumed floral aromas," says Wines of the World.
A long finish with enough acidity to pair with red- or meat-sauce pastas, marinated fish, roast pork and chicken—excellent before or after meals with Pecorino cheese. Amazingly this unusual grape pairs beautifully with "bitter" foods such as artichokes and asparagus.
Featured in the New York Times, May 2005
Wines of Vicari
Grapes: 100% Verdicchio
Vinification: Cold fermentation
Aging: Stainless steel
U.S. Allocation: 330 cases
Alcohol: 13.5%
Service: 10-54°F
Verdicchio di Castelli dei Jesi DOC Classico "del Pozzo Buono"
Nazzareno Vicari's ancestors worked the vineyards on Pozzo del Buono in the Marche hill town of Morro d'Alba. Nurturing the vines runs in his veins, but unlike their past sharecropping these vineyards, the Vicari family now owns them. Nazzareno and his son, Vico, are no strangers to hard work, and building on the heritage of their grandfathers, they continue to improve the quality of the wine from their ideally oriented vineyards.
The Verdicchio dei Castelli Jesi Classico offers a generous nose, full-bodied enough to satisfy a Chardonnay refugee, and excellent balance of fruit and acidity with a long, food-friendly finish.
Grapes: Montepulciano, Sangiovese, Lacrima di Morro d'Alba
Vinification: Stainless steel
Aging: Stainless steel
U.S. Allocation: 415 cases
Alcohol: 13.5%
Service: 64-68°
Rosso Piceno DOC "del Pozzo Buono"
Rosso Piceno is the most recognizable red wine from the Adriatic region of the Marche. Gentle terrain and coastal climates contribute to near-perfect conditions for Montepulciano and Sangiovese grapes. From the namesake town of Ascoli Piceno in the south, to vineyards northwest of Ancona, the charismatic blend of these mainstays of Adriatic viticulture can be augmented with 15 percent other local varietals.
Vicari's Rosso Piceno includes 15 percent fruit from their award-winning Lacrima di Morro d'Alba vineyards to create a dynamic drinkable red wine with the unmistakable personality of the Adriatic coast. Aromas of violets and rose petals intrigue the nose, while berry and dark fruit flavors preside over a palette supported by fine tannic structure.