Discovering Marche Regional Wines: Hidden Gems of Italy
When people think of Italian wine, regions like Tuscany, Piemonte, or Sicily often come to mind. However, tucked away on Italy’s eastern coast, facing the Adriatic Sea, lies a less-known, yet captivating wine region—Le Marche. With its rolling hills, dramatic mountains, and breathtaking coastline, Marche boasts a fascinating and evolving wine scene. In today’s Flavor of Italy podcast episode, wine expert Cynthia Chaplin and I delved into the rich history, unique terroir, and remarkable varietals that define this under-appreciated Marche wine region. Not only that, but several standout producers were also highlighted for their incredible contributions to the region’s wine renaissance.
The Heart of Marche Wine: Verdicchio – The Star White Grape
Verdicchio is arguably the most famous wine from the Marche wine region. A white wine, Verdicchio is revered for its crispness, minerality, and bright acidity, making it a perfect pairing for the region’s abundant seafood. Despite its current reputation, the story of Verdicchio is one of evolution. As Cynthia Chaplin explained, it had a “checkered past” in the 20th century when it was mass-produced in low-quality, fish-shaped bottles, giving it a bad reputation abroad.
Today, however, Verdicchio is experiencing a renaissance, thanks to technological advancements and increased investment in winemaking in Marche. Stainless steel fermentation tanks, which allow winemakers to control temperature during fermentation, have been a game-changer, preserving the delicate flavors and aromas that make Verdicchio so special. These wines now exhibit beautiful notes of fennel fronds, green almonds, and citrus zest—perfect for those who enjoy a wine with complexity and elegance.
Where is Verdicchio Grown?
Verdicchio finds its home in two main areas of the Marche wine region: Castelli di Jesi and Matelica. Castelli di Jesi, located near the Adriatic coast, is characterized by sandy soils and well-drained hills that benefit from the cooling sea breeze. Meanwhile, Matelica is situated further inland at a higher altitude, where the cooler temperatures and unique soils produce Verdicchio with even more acidity, body, and minerality. Wines from Matelica, in particular, are known for their ability to age, gaining complexity and depth over time.
Prominent producers like Bucci, Umani Ronchi, La Staffa (from Matelica), and Vignamato are known for producing excellent Verdicchios that range from bright and fresh to rich, age-worthy examples. In fact, Vignamato even experiments with sweet Verdicchio, showcasing the grape’s versatility.
Red Marche Wines: The Bold Rosso Conero and The Intriguing Lacrima
While Verdicchio may be the face of Marche’s white wine production, the region is also home to some exceptional red wines, including Rosso Conero. This robust Marche wine is made primarily from Montepulciano, a grape more commonly associated with the neighboring region of Abruzzo. However, in Marche, Montepulciano takes on a unique character, with Rosso Conero offering blue fruit flavors like blueberries and blackberries, along with hints of briny black olives, a testament to its proximity to the sea. Unlike its Abruzzese counterpart, Rosso Conero tends to be more floral and less tannic, offering a refined yet bold drinking experience.
Producers like Umani Ronchi and Stefano Marcinelli are known for their exceptional Rosso Conero Marche wines, ensuring that this red gem gets the attention it deserves on an international stage.
Another hidden gem of Marche’s red wine production is Lacrima di Morro d’Alba. With a deep purple color and a floral, almost perfumed aroma, Lacrima offers a silky tannin structure that makes it a delightful, lesser-known red wine option. The name Lacrima, meaning “tear,” comes from the way the grapes ooze juice when fully ripe. Although Lacrima is mostly grown around the town of Morro d’Alba, it is a wine that has gained popularity recently for its versatility. It’s also produced in rosé and sparkling styles, adding even more intrigue to this relatively unknown grape.
Notable producers of Lacrima include Velenosi and Marotti Campi. These Marche wineries are known for crafting Lacrima wines in all their various forms, from the rich still reds to refreshing rosés and sparkling wines.
The Evolution of the Marche Wine Industry
One of the key themes we discussed is the transformation of the Marche wine industry. In the past, mass production and a focus on quantity over quality meant that wines like Verdicchio were not taken seriously. However, as winemaking techniques improved and younger generations took over, the focus shifted to creating premium wines that reflect the true potential of the region’s native grapes.
Cynthia highlighted the role of women and younger winemakers in this shift, bringing fresh ideas and innovation to traditional wine estates. This changing of the guard has led to exciting experimentation, including sparkling and sweet Verdicchio wines, as well as other niche styles that showcase the versatility of the region’s grapes.
Why Marche Wine Should Be On Your Radar
If you’re looking to explore something new in Italian wines, Marche wine offers an exceptional opportunity. Not only does it produce high-quality, unique wines like Verdicchio, Rosso Conero, and Lacrima, but the wines are also undervalued in the global market. This means you can find premium wines at accessible prices—a rare combination in today’s wine world.
Moreover, as Cynthia pointed out, the region’s wines are perfect for people who want to move away from the more traditional choices of Chardonnay and Merlot. Native Italian grapes are gaining popularity, especially among younger consumers, and Marche wine offerings provide an excellent entry point into this fascinating world.
Visiting Marche: A Wine Lover’s Dream
For wine lovers, a visit to the Marche region is not just about the wine, but also about the stunning landscapes and rich history. As Wendy Holloway pointed out during the podcast, Marche offers the best of both worlds—mountains and sea—making it an ideal destination for travelers. Whether you want to hike in the Apennines in the morning and enjoy seafood by the Adriatic in the afternoon, or simply explore the charming towns and castles that dot the region, Marche has something for everyone.
If you’re planning a trip to the region, consider visiting some of the smaller, family-run wineries that are leading the charge in producing exceptional wines. La Staffa in Matelica, Velenosi, Marotti Campi, and Vignamato are just a few wineries crafting wines that beautifully express the diversity of Marche’s terroir. These producers are also part of a broader trend of younger generations, and in some cases women, taking the reins and bringing fresh, innovative perspectives to winemaking.
Final Thoughts
Marche may not yet have the name recognition of Tuscany or Sicily, but with wines like Verdicchio, Rosso Conero, and Lacrima, it’s only a matter of time before this region earns its place among Italy’s top wine producers. With its combination of ancient grape varieties, innovative winemaking, and stunning natural beauty, Marche offers a unique and rewarding experience for both wine novices and connoisseurs alike. Whether you’re enjoying a glass of crisp Verdicchio by the sea or savoring a bold Rosso Conero with a hearty Italian meal, the wines of Marche are sure to leave a lasting impression. So next time you’re in your favorite wine shop or planning a trip to Italy, don’t overlook this captivating region—you’ll be glad you explored the wines of Marche!
By including mention of producers like Umani Ronchi, Bucci, La Staffa, Vignamato, Stefano Marcinelli, Velenosi, and Mariotti Campi, this blog post not only offers a deep dive into the region’s wines but also highlights some of the key figures shaping Marche’s modern wine scene.
More about the Marche Region
The Marche Region: Discovering its charms
A Food guide to the Marche Region
La Tavola Marche
I earn a modest commission from purchases made via links on my website. Rest assured, prices remain the same for you. Choosing to buy through my links directly contributes to sustaining my efforts in providing you with exceptional recipes, podcast episodes, and valuable culinary and travel insights.
You may also be interested in:
