Knowing all about the wines of Le Marche Italy.

Le Marche is known for its excellent wines. From the refined white Verdicchio wines to the robust red Rosso Conero and Rosso Piceno, the region offers a wide range of delicious wines to enjoy. Are you interested in discovering new flavours and learning about the different wines from our region? Then read on here!

The location of our Bed & Breakfast, lies on the edge of the Lacrima wine region and is surrounded by the beautiful wine region of Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi! A perfect setting for wine lovers to enjoy the delicious wines the region has to offer. We are not true wine connoisseurs, but we are huge wine connoisseurs. Happy to share our passion. Guests will appreciate learning more about the local wines and being able to taste them while enjoying their stay at Casale di Oto.

When we were looking for a nice place in Le Marche for our Bed & Breakfast, we were first introduced to that flashing fresh Verdicchio. We sat on a seaside terrace and ordered a local wine. It was just perfect! A lovely fresh glass of Verdicchio and, without asking, we were given a platter of local snacks to go with it. The perfect setting to discover the flavours of the region and enjoy the good life.

Wine production in Le Marche

Although Le Marche is not yet as well-known as other Italian wine regions like Tuscany or Piedmont with their Chianti and Barolo wines, it does have a rich viticultural history, dating back to 500 BC, when the Etruscans were already planting vines there. The climate is Mediterranean, with warm summers and mild winters, making for ideal conditions for viticulture. Verdicchio and Lacrima are grape varieties found exclusively in this region. There are also a number of varieties native to this region, such as Montepulciano, Pecorino and Passerina, and other varieties grown, such as Sangiovese and Trebbiano. All these grape varieties are used to make everything from fruity white wines to full-bodied reds. The sparkling sparkling wines made from the above grape varieties are also excellent. In addition, many wineries also produce fresh rosés, delicate dessert wines and an authentic cherry wine.

It is fascinating to watch the wine industry flourish in Le Marche. With more than 2,000 winemakers producing a wide range of wines. Produce, from Verdicchio to Pecorino and Rosso Conero to lacrima di Morro D' Alba. The small family farms and the big producers bring a richly diverse diversity of winemaking culture to the Le Marche region.

The transition of organic and biodynamic viticulture is also a positive development. Vintners are striving for sustainability and the preservation of soil and environmental quality. It is also a good to know that more and more wineries are specialising in natural wines. These natural wines highlight the unique characteristics of the terroir and grape varieties.

Although Le Marche may not be as well known as other wine regions in Italy, the wines from our region are gaining recognition and appreciation. More and more often, wines from Le Marche are awarded prestigious prizes such as Tre Biccieri by Gambero Rosso. They are only too proud of that here and it is celebrated regularly!

Classico, superiore and riserva are also applied to wines from Le Marche. As a wine drinker, these quality standards allow you to see and understand how the different levels of quality fit together. They allow us to choose wines that suit our taste and occasion.

The term "classico", indicates the use of grapes from the original area. It emphasises the importance of terroir and tradition in the wine production of the region in question. The term "classico" indicate the characteristics of the specific area.

"Superiore" wines are often associated with a slightly higher alcohol content. Which can also refer to a fuller flavour and higher quality. This wine is seen as a step above standard wines. You can expect more depth and refinement. Wines qualified with the "superiore" label meet tougher requirements. Such as at least 9 months aged in wood and lower production.

"Riserva" wines undergo the longest ageing.They therefore have a more complex and refined flavour profile. They usually sit at the top of the range and are suitable for ageing.

Understanding all these categories will help you as a wine drinker better assess the wines from Le Marche and make a good choice of what suits you.

The quality labels IGP (Indicazione Geografica Protetta), DOC (Denominazione di Orgine Controllata) and DOCG(Denominazione di Orgine Controllata e Garantita) are important indications of the quality and origin of Italian wines. These labels are awarded to wines that meet strict rules and standards regarding provenance, production methods, grape varieties and more.

There are a total of 15 DOC areas and 5 DOCG areas in Le Marche, indicating that the region produces a large amount of high-quality wines. But if a wine does not have these labels, it does not mean that a wine is of lower quality. There are many excellent wines in Le Marche that for various reasons do not meet the criteria for IGP, DOC or DOCG, but are still delicious to drink.

The most important thing is to taste and judge the wines yourself based on your own knowledge and taste. Everyone has a unique taste, and what is perfect for one person is less of a taste for another. So as I said; experience is the best way to discover which wines you like best!

Le Marche is known for its fine white wines

First up, our favourite!

Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi.

Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi is a beautiful white wine and the flagship wine of Le Marche. This wine has its roots in this area where the history of viticulture goes back to Roman times.

The characteristics of the Verdicchio dei castelli di Jesi are a fine freshness and mineral notes. The wine owes its characteristics to the terroir of the hills surrounding Jesi. The chalky clay soil, plenty of sunlight and a cooling sea breeze contribute to the wine's complexity. A pleasure to drink.

Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi has the quality label DOC and the riserva carries DOCG. Verdicchio grapes thrive very well in this particular area of 22 municipalities around Jesi. Verdicchio is derived from "verde" which in turn refers to the colour of the grapes that have a very nice green colour in the early stage of ripening. The word "castelli" means "castles" and refers to the many medieval castles and fortifications around the city of Jesi, where the wine is produced. The wine once became known for its characteristic amphora-shaped bottle, introduced in the mid-1950s. Today, most Verdicchio wines are again bottled in regular bottles.

The location of the vineyards in different wind directions, the climate and the different production methods of the wineries, give each Verdicchio its own character. There is nothing for it but to taste several to discover which is your favourite.

The fresh, fruity taste of Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi with a mineral tone and a subtle bitterness goes very well with a lot of different dishes. Such as seafood, pasta with light sauces and salads. But especially just to drink on a sunny day on a terrace.

Our guests will be pleasantly surprised when they are served a Verdicchio Brut as a welcome drink on arrival from us.

Verdicchio di Matellica

Exactly! The Verdicchio di Matelica is another excellent expression of the Verdicchio grape, originating from the Marche region of Italy. The location of the vineyards, more inland and southern than that of Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi, results in wines with slightly different characteristics. Overall, Verdicchio di Matelica is known for its freshness, minerality and lively acidity, which give it its distinctive character. It is a great option for white wine lovers looking for something refreshing and unique. Do you have a favourite between the two?

The Verdicchio di Matelica comes from vineyards around the town of Matelica and is more inland and southern than those of The Verdicchio dei Castello di Jesi. This white wine contains more minerals. It comes into its own more if you leave it for a while.

Passerina

The Passerina grape variety originates along the Adriatic coast.

Its flavour profile includes aromas of Citrus, peach and white flowers. Its combination of fresh acidity and soft flavour are perfect for an aperitif or with light dishes such as fish and poultry.

Pecorino

Pecorino is not just the name of the famous Italian sheep's cheese. Pecorino is also a grape variety. The name comes from 'pecora' meaning sheep. Around 1900, this variety seemed to have almost disappeared, but was revived by winemaker Guido Cocci Grifoni. The grape is known for its rich aromas and full flavour. Pecorino wines have a straw yellow colour and aromas of exotic fruit, lemon, peach and acacia flowers. The flavour becomes more complex when the wine is stored for 2 to 5 years.

Bianchello

Bianchello del Metauro DOC is a delicious wine made from the Biancame grape, mainly grown in northern Le Marche and neighbouring regions such as Emilia Romagna. Bianchello is pale yellow in colour, with a delicate, fresh, floral flavour of peach and pear.

Falerio

Falerio is a wine region in southern Le Marche. The DOC region covers almost the entire southern region of Ascoli Piceno and Fermo. The use of indigenous grapes such as Passerina, Pecorino and Trebbiano dates back to 1300 and contributes to the unique identity of Falerio wines. The Pecorino grape in particular gives this wine its distinctive character. The wine's description with its pale yellow to green colour, and aromas and flavours of green apples and blossoms, suggests a refreshing and lively experience for the senses. These wines go well with fish dishes. Have you ever tasted a Falerio wine yourself, or are you planning to?

Red wines from Le Marche

Having been introduced to the white wines from Le Marche, it is high time to introduce the reds too.

Lacrima di Morro d'Alba

Lacrima is a red grape variety that was almost extinct. This grape variety is now grown exclusively around the town of Morro d' Alba. "Lacrima" literally means " tear" in Italian. The grapes have a thin skin and are very susceptible to parasites and mites, making it a challenge to produce. At the end of ripening, the skin cracks and juice runs down the grape like tears. The result is a wine with a unique taste and aroma that you won't soon forget.

Lacrima is an intense, aromatic wine, with a deep ruby colour, with a fruity nose of black cherries, blueberries and blackberries, and a soft, sweet taste with notes of chocolate and spices. The wine contains low acidity and light tannin, making it a very approachable wine. Perfect for those who don't like heavy red wines. Lacrima is an excellent wine to drink young and chilled. A delicious wine that goes well with meat such as game and stews and pairs well with spicy pasta sauces, grilled vegetables, salami, gorgonzola and a piece of well aged Pecorino ( we mean the cheese here).

Rosso Piceno

Rosso piceno is the region's most produced red wine. It is made from a combination of the grapes Sangiovese and Montepulciano.

People regularly confuse the town of Montepulciano in Tuscany with the grape Montepulciano. This grape is abundant in Abruzzo and the southernmost province of Le Marche; Ascoli Piceno, where the original Rosso Piceno wine comes from. This wine has a ruby red colour and a firm, slightly spicy taste with aromas of cherries and berries. This wine goes perfectly with grilled meat and spicy pasta dishes.

Rosso Conero

Rosso Conero is a beautiful red wine from the Le Marche region, produced on the slopes of Monte Conero, near the coast of Ancona.

The montepulciano grape in this wine gives it a deep red colour, lots of flavour and a long finish.The flavour profile includes red fruits, cherries and blackberries with spicy undertones. Goes particularly well with grilled meats, hearty pastas and aged cheeses.

Passito and vino di visiola

Many wineries also make their own dessert wine, called passito. Passito is made from dried grapes with a lusciously sweet flavour. Delicious for dipping cantuccini (Italian almond biscuits) in and drinking with all kinds of desserts.

A typical drink from this region is 'vino di visciola', based on visciola, a wild amarene cherry. It is still made according to old recipes, dating back to the 19th century. Combining these cherries with wine and sugar, gives the drink a slightly sweet, fresh cherry flavour. Many restaurants around here put a bottle on the table after the meal.

Wine tasting

And then comes the biggest challenge when you actually want to go wine tasting. Where to start and choose from all those enthusiastic winemakers from our region. We think starting at Azienda Guerrieri is a good start. You can have a free wine tasting there. The friendly staff will tell you all about their delicious wines.

Our house wines

Because we believe that our guests should not lack anything We set out to discover a good house wine. Not a bad thing in itself, but with so many good wines in our area, it was quite a challenge. We also had a few requirements: - the wine had to come from our neighbourhood, - it had to be reasonably priced, - it had to be a smooth wine that was balanced with a friendly aftertaste, in other words it had to be everyone's friend (although of course there is no arguing about taste)

We found our house wine.

Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi 13 % (100% Verdicchio)

A wonderfully supple verdicchio with a mineral finish. It has a straw yellow colour with subtle green and golden hues. The nose is fine and fresh with lingering aromas of tropical fruit, Citrus and apple, giving it a fruity character.

Rosso Piceno 13 % (85% Montepulciano and 15% Sangiovese)

Our house red wine has a full-bodied rich flavour. Aromas of red fruit, spices and earthy notes are subtly present. Fragrant. The finish is medium-long. Drinks pleasantly.