Verdicchio

Italy's Versatile White
Verdicchio is a distinguished white Italian grape varietal primarily grown in the Marche region of central Italy. Its name derives from "verde" (green), referring to the greenish-yellow hue in the glass. This ancient variety has been documented in the region since at least the 14th century, with some historical references dating back to 1579.

Character & Style:
Verdicchio produces wines with remarkable structure, high acidity, and a distinctive bitter almond finish. Young wines show crisp citrus and green apple notes, while aged versions develop more complex stone fruit and nutty characteristics. The wines typically display a compelling mineral backbone - a gift from Marche's unique soils that were submerged underwater for 200 million years. What makes Verdicchio special isn't so much 'flashy' aromatics but its textural depth and ageing potential that have earned it comparisons to fine white wines from around the world.

Regional Expression:
Verdicchio shines in two main areas: Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi and Verdicchio di Matelica. Jesi wines tend to be rounder with a sturdy fruity structure, while Matelica, situated in a high inland valley, yields more linear wines with pronounced acidity and citrus notes. Both received DOC status, with Matelica being the first white wine from the Marches to earn this distinction in 1967.

Beyond Verdicchio:
This versatile grape travels under many aliases throughout Italy. DNA studies have confirmed it's genetically identical to Trebbiano di Soave and Trebbiano di Lugana (Turbiana) from around Lake Garda. It appears under numerous synonyms including Angelica, Lugana, Pevarise, Pfefferer, Terbiana, Turviana, and Verdone. Despite these connections, the different growing conditions produce distinctly different wines across regions.

To Sum It All Up...
Verdicchio represents one of Italy's most noble white varieties - a grape that can produce everything from refreshing everyday wines to complex bottles that improve for decades. With its bright acidity, mineral depth, and remarkable versatility, it's no wonder wine writer Ian d'Agata compared its potential to the infamous White Burgundy.