Italy - Marche

Question 1

What are the two key denominations for Verdicchio? Where are each located, and what is their key difference in climate and style?

Answer 1

Dei Castelli di Jesi (low hills west of Ancona in the valley with clay and limestone soils, producing floral and fruity wines, exposed to ocean influence)
Di Matelica (higher zone in the foothills of the Apennines, and hence with a continental climate and wide diurnal range: longer ripening season and higher retained acidity)

Question 2

What are the different soil types of the Verdicchio denominations?

Answer 2

Dei Castelli di Jesi: clay and limestone
Matelica: sandstone and fossils, wit less clay - faster draining

Question 3

What are the different maximum yields of the Verdicchio denominations?

Answer 3

Castelli di Jesi (CDJ): 98
CDJ Superiore: 77
Matelica: 91

Question 4

Which Verdicchio denominations have ageing requirements?

Answer 4

CDJ Riserva DOCG and Matelica Riserva, both 18m and can be in oak but doesn’t have to be.

Question 5

Which Verdiccho denomination has a minimum abv?

Answer 5

Matelica Riserva, 12.5%

Question 6

Which Verdicchio denomination is fuller bodied, with higher acidity and less overtly fruity?

Answer 6

Matelica.

Question 7

How can Pecorino be sold?

Answer 7

Either as Marche IGT, or if within the Offida area and complies with regulations, Offida Pecorino DOCG.

Question 8

What elevage do producers have the choice of for Offida Pecorino DOCG?

Answer 8

To age in barrel, a minority are for 12-18m for additional texture. (Most are released early to maintain primary fruit)

Question 9

What is the trend of Pecorinos popularity?

Answer 9

Grown rapidly since the turn of the millennium.

Question 10

What denominations can Passerina be sold as?

Answer 10

Marche IGT and, if within the boundaries, Offida Passerina DOCG

Question 11

What wine is a major part of Rosso Piceno DOC?

Answer 11

Montepulciano (35-85%), often blended with Sangiovese (for acidity).

Question 12

How does Rosso Piceno Superiore DOC differ from Rosso Piceno DOC?

Answer 12

A higher quality designation that can only be made from fruit grown in 13 townships in the Ascoli Piceno province in the south of the region, versus the large area of the middle of Marche.

It requires slightly higher alcohol and one year of ageing.

Question 13

How does Offida Rosso DOCG differ to Rosso Piceno Superiore DOC?

Answer 13

A further distinction within that geographical area, 100km South of Ancona.
Minimum 85% Montepulciano.
Must be aged for 24m, 12 of which in oak.