Wines of Le Marche
Le Marche produces a variety of wines but they are known for their white wine‘s Passerina, Pecorino and Trebbiano and their red wine known as Rosso Piceno. There is no shortage of vineyards to visit and wines to try!
The Verdicchio Vine
Traditionally, Verdicchio was always successful in the commercial market. However, this wine has been perfected over the years and is now one of Italy’s best dry white wines.
A number of Verdicchio wines have the DOC category. Their reserves and some others have the DOCG (superior to DOC).
Verdicchio di Matelica and Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi are the two main white wines which have the DOC while the reserves have DOCG. The latter is produced in the town Verdicchio and is the most well-known.
The main whites are those of the Verdicchio vine. However, there are more DOC certified wines from Le Marche that are certainly worth a try.
The central area produces the Colli Maceratesi and Esino Bianco. The south produces Offida Pecorino, Passerina, and Falerio while in the north there are vineyards for Colli Pesaresi Bianco and the Bianchello del Metauro
Red Wines
The two whites mentioned before may be the most well-known of Le Marche but don’t be fooled: there is also a great variety of reds.
Vernaccia di Serrapetrona received the DOCG certification and is a specialty of the region. It is typically a dessert wine with a sweeter taste. However, a dry version is also available.
Another Vernaccia is the Vernaccia di Pergola, produced in Urbino. From the area of Pesaro comes the Sangiovese dei Colli Pesaresi while the Colli Maceratesi Rosso comes from Macerata.
From the center of Le Marche, there are Lacrima di Morro d’Alba and Esino Rosso. All of the aforementioned have gained the DOC seal.
The Montepulciano Grape
Additional reds include those produced around the peninsula of Conero, using the Montepulciano grape. The Conero and Rosso Conero are produced here.
Their reserves have received the DOCG and DOC certifications. Using the same grapes while blended with Sangiovese brings about the Rosso Piceno and the Rosso Piceno Superiore.
Both produced in the south of Le Marche, and which also have a DOC variety.
Some local vineyards to visit:
Officina del Sole (which serves an amazing lunch!)