Wines from Le Marche
First settled by the Piceni, warlike sea-traders from mythical Illyria, and later, refugees from Magna Graecia, evidence of winemaking in the Marche goes back more than 3,000 years. Petrified grapes whose DNA matches today's Verdicchio were recently discovered along with artifacts from the Piceni era.
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 at the moment of perfect ripeness. 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.
Wines of Badiali
Grapes: 100% Lacrima
Vinification: All stainless steel
Aging: All stainless steel
Annual Production: 1,083 cases
Alcohol: 13.5%
Service: 61-64°
Lacrima di Morro DOC
The Badiali brothers, Vittorio and Mirko, specialize in Lacrima and nothing else, in the tradition of their late father Quinto. Very limited production wine harvested by hand.
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.
In a recent conversation with the enologist, Aroldo Bellelli, it was revealed that the beautiful labels are the work of Aroldo and the Badiali brothers themselves.
Grapes: 100% Lacrima - selected
Vinification: All stainless steel
Aging: All stainless steel
Annual Production: 533 cases
Alcohol: 15%
Service: 61-64°
Lacrima di Morro DOC Superiore
This rich amarone-style rich Cru from the rarest of grapes is more than just a Superiore, it is a unique wine crafted from selected grapes on less than a hectare of land. Very limited production, the grapes are left on the vines for an additional 25 days and then carefully selected and harvested by hand.
"Paucca" is the name in the local dialect for the Hoopoe bird, beautifully rendered on the label.
Wines of Belisario
Grapes: 100% Verdicchio
Vineyards: East slopes of the Alta Valle Esina to
the foot of Mount San Vicino
Vinification: Cold fermentation then Malolactic fermentation, all stainless steel
Aging: All stainless steel
Annual Production: 6,666 cases
Alcohol: 12.5%
Service: 50-54° F
Verdicchio di Matelica DOCG "Vignetti del Cerro"
The expression of what Matelica Verdicchio is and should be (DOCG in 2009). 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. Intended for hot antipasti, pasta, light game and elaborate fish dishes.
"Aromas of citrus fruit and minty herbs follow through to a medium palate, with good acidity and a crisp finish." - Wine Spectator
Wine Spectator 2009 86 points ('07)
Wine Spectator 2008 86 points ('06)
Gambero Rosso 2011 2 Glasses ('09)
Gambero Rosso 2010 2 Glasses ('08)
Gambero Rosso 2009 2 Glasses "tre bicchiere" finalist ('07)
Gambero Rosso 2008 2 Glasses "tre bicchiere" finalist ('06)
International Wine Challenge London 2009 Bronze medal ('08)
Decanter World Wine Awards 2009 Bronze medal ('08)
Luca Maroni 2008 84 points ('07)
Grapes: 100% Verdicchio
Vineyards: East slopes of the Alta Valle Esina to
the foot of Mount San Vicino
Vinification: Cryomaceration, cold fermentation, malolactic fermentation, all stainless steel
Aging: Part stainless steel and part barrique for a minimum of 1 yr then finished at least 1 yr in the bottle
Annual Production: 4166 cases
Alcohol: 13%
Service: 59°
Verdicchio di Matelica DOCG Riserva "Cambrugiano"
Ranked among the finest white wines in Italy, Belisario's Verdicchio di Matelica Riserva "Cambrugiano" was the first Riserva ever produced in 1988, now a DOCG as of June 2009. From the best high-elevation vineyards to late harvest, cold fermentation, and partial aging in barrique, this wine epitomizes Matelica's reputation for producing powerful white wines. "Cambrugiano" earned Gambero Rosso's highest "tre bicchiere" rating in 2006 and again this year for 2010 as well as the tre bicchiere "Verde" for environmentally sustainable Green wines.
Recommended as one of the great Verdicchios by Cucina Italiana (August 2009).
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.
"Shows tropical fruit, nougat and ashlike mineral character. Full and well-balanced, with lots of fruit and a hint of toffee coming through on the palate. An interesting white." - Wine Spectator
Wine Spectator 2009 88 points ('05)
Wine Spectator 2008 85 points ('04)
Gambero Rosso 2011 2+ Glasses "tre bicchiere" finalist ('09)
Gambero Rosso 2010 3 Glasses for being Green "tre bicchiere Verde" ('06)P
Gambero Rosso 2010 3 Glasses "tre bicchiere" ('06)
Gambero Rosso 2009 2 Glasses ('05)
Gambero Rosso 2008 2+ Glasses "tre bicchiere" finalist ('04)
Gambero Rosso 2007 2 Glasses ('03)
Gambero Rosso 2006 3 Glasses "tre bicchiere" ('02)
Vini di Veronelli 2009 3 Stars ('05)
Vini di Veronelli 2008 3 Stars ('04)
Grapes: 60% Sangiovese, 15% Cabernet, 15% Merlot, 10% Cigliegiolo
Vineyards: South slopes of the Alta Valle Esina
Vinification: Extended skin contact, malolactic fermentation, all stainless steel
Aging: 2 months stainless steel, 12 months in oak barrels, 2 months bottle-aging
Annual Production: 2,500 cases
Alcohol: 13%
Colli Maceratesi DOC Riserva "San Leopardo"
A tribute, or "wine memory" of the old "Rosso Matelica" of the 1800's. This wine is a serious Cru, a carefully crafted Sangiovese blend which brings out the best of the red wine grapes of Matelica.
This wine gathers the sensory emotions of seasoned wood; a balance of aroma, fruit, fermentation, maturation and wood which only the wisdom of time can impart. Soft, structured, warm rich vanilla notes, tones of purple red tinged with amber shading. Serve with strong meats, raw or rare, elaborate pasta dishes and cheeses and dry cheeses.
Gambero Rosso 2011 2 Glasses ('06)
Gambero Rosso 2009 1 Glass ('05)
Gambero Rosso 2008 1 Glass ('04)
Wines of Vicari
Grapes: 100% Verdicchio
Vinification: Cold fermentation
Aging:All stainless steel
Annual Production: 833 cases
Alcohol: 13.5%
Service: 10-54°F
Verdicchio Castelli di Jesi DOC Classico
The Verdicchio Classico is the traditional white wine of Marche, Classico meaning that it is grown in the original historical heartland of Verdicchio production. Soft pressed and cold fermented "sur lies", this wine offers a generous nose, full-bodied enough to satisfy a Chardonnay refugee.
Straw yellow color with green reflections and elegant aromas of fruit and wildflowers and excellent balance of fruit and acidity with a long, food-friendly finish. Serve with pasta and risoto dishes, fish, white meats and cheeses.
Gambero Rosso 2011 1 Glass ('09)
Luca Maroni 2011 84 points ('09)
Luca Maroni 2008 81 points ('07)
Luca Maroni 2007 82 points ('06)
Grapes: 55% Montepulciano, 30% Sangiovese, 15%Lacrima
Vinification: All stainless steel
Aging: All stainless steel
Annual Production: 833 cases
Alcohol: 14.5%
Service:64-68°
Rosso Piceno DOC
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 prized 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. Serve with pasta dishes, roast red meats and white meats.
Gambero Rosso 2011 2 Glasses ('09)
Luca Maroni 2011 87 points ('08)
Luca Maroni 2008 81 points ('05)
Grapes: 100% Lacrima
Vinification: Extended skin contact, all stainless steel
Aging: 10months in stainless steel then in old large oak "botte".
Annual Production:12,000 bottles
Alcohol: 13.5%
Service: 64-68°
Lacrima di Morro DOC Superiore "del Pozzo Buono"
The Superiore is made the old way from the Vicari family's finest grapes. Matured in seasoned oak botte, Nazzereno's attention to every detail in this wine's production assures the buyer of the highest quality traditional Lacrima.
Intense ruby red color with purple reflections, the wine is full flavored with exceptional structure over soft velvety undertones with aromas of intense berries and violets. Serve with pasta dishes, roasted red meats and white meats.
Gambero Rosso 2011 2 Glasses ('08)
Gambero Rosso 2010 2 Glasses ('07)
Luca Maroni 2011 85 points ('08)
International Wine Challenge London 2009 Silver medal ('07)
Douja d'Or d'Asti 2009 Gold medal ('07)
Wines of Montecappone
Grapes: 100% Moscato
Vineyards: Clayey, silty soil in the Vall'Esina river basin; heavy thinning
Vinification: Oxygen-free hyper-reduction, cold maceration then fermentation with selected yeasts
Annual Production: 333 cases
Aging: All stainless Steel
Alcohol: 12%
Service: Chilled
Moscato Marche IGT "Akinos"
A beautiful, natural, slightly sweet white wine which exalts the intense fruity aromatic characteristics of the Moscato grape.
Low in alcohol and refreshing, it is perfect as an apertif or for after meals. Intense light straw color with a sense of rich grapefruit taste and at the same time a total absence of oxidation. This wine is easily paired with various types of deserts. Serve with light pastries, pies, cakes and dry sweet biscuits.
Comes in an elegant, clear, half-liter bottle.
Gambero Rosso 2008 1 Glass ('06)