from The Primlani Kitchen by Rashmi Primlani a great description of Verdicchio in all its expressions.
Almond scented Verdicchio with all it’s synonyms, including Verzana, Verdetto, Verdone, and Verzello have been flourishing in Marche at least since the invention of the printing press. The printing press was invented around 1440 by the German goldsmith Gutenberg following the fall of the Byzantime empire to the Ottoman turks. This propelled momentum for new trade routes which subsequently lead to global mapping of the world.
Like Burgundy is dedicated to Pinot Noir and Mosel to Riesling, Verdicchio is predominantly cultivated in Marche’s two principal DOC towns Jesi and Matelica. While Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi 2,762 ha vineyards are planted on low-lying hills of limestone, clay, and calcareous soils, enjoys temperate climate with maritime influence from the calm Adriatic sea, transcending softly scented, floral renditions. Verdicchio di Matelica hugging Umbria and cradled by the snow-capped Apennine ranges, that oddly run north – south, stretched between Macerata and Ancona provinces, at lofty altitudes of up to 400m, boast mineral-rich, calcerous clay soils on 300 ha vineyards.
A late-ripener, Verdicchio arguably is Italy’s greatest native white grape variety, which is characterized by:
High concentration of tartaric acids, which keeps the wine alive by warding off infections and contributing fresh and crisp flavors. Much like Chenin, Versatile Verdicchio presents itself in many forms; snappy sparkling wines, simple every day beauties, serious oaked Riservas, rich passitos, and late harvest gems. Yes, there is a Verdicchio for every palate.
Incredible adaptability to diverse terroir: Versatile Verdicchio from Castelli del Jesi is cocooned by the Adriatic sea that dances like a dainty, nimble ballerina, light on it’s feet, and approachable in it’s youth. While the voluptuous siren of Matelica, swathe by the mountains, is richer in expression, producing sensational wines with immense aging potential.