Day 28 | Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi DOCG
Sea‑Salt Snap from Marche’s Hilltop Castles
In the rolling Marche hills between the Adriatic and the Apennines, Verdicchio finds its most expressive voice in Castelli di Jesi DOCG. Medieval fortresses crown the ridges, and below, vineyards of limestone‑clay soak up coastal sun by day and cool mountain breezes by night. The result is a white that cracks with green apple and citrus, threaded with sal, and finishes on the variety’s classic bitter‑almond twist. With bottle age, Verdicchio transforms into honey, fennel, and even petrol, yet never loses its mouth‑watering edge.
Defining Traits of Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi
Primary Notes - Lemon peel, white peach, and spring blossom before ending on a cleansing bitter‑almond note.
Briny Minerality - Limestone soils and Adriatic air give a subtle saline tang, perfect for seafood pairings.
Age‑Worthiness - High acidity and dry extract let Riserva bottlings evolve for 10–15 years.
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Terroir & Winemaking Deep Dive
The DOCG covers the “castles” belt west of Jesi at 120–450 m elevation. Soils alternate between calcareous clay and ancient seabed limestone, concentrating mineral salts. Verdicchio, notoriously thick‑skinned, thrives on these slopes - cool evening breezes from the Apennines safeguard acidity even in hot years. Riserva rules demand 18 months minimum aging (6 in bottle). Most estates ferment in stainless at 16 °C while select cuvées rest sur lie in concrete or large acacia casks, adding texture without obscuring freshness. The best Riserve enter bottle unfiltered, where citrus morphs to beeswax and toasted almond over time.
Producers to Visit
Umani Ronchi – Vecchie Vigne Riserva layers ripe peach and flint over a creamy palate.
Sartarelli – Balciana delivers late‑harvest richness (apricot, acacia honey) balanced by high acidity.
Garofoli – Podium shows lime, fennel seed, and a long saline finish that ages into hazelnut and honey.
Travel Spotlight – Exploring Jesi & the Marche Coast
Stay
Tenuta San Marcello – Rustic‑chic agriturismo with panoramic vineyards and an on‑site natural‑wine cellar.
Dine
Uliassi (Senigallia) – Three‑Michelin‑star seafood menu right on the shoreline. Here you can pair Verdicchio Riserva to slice through raw Adriatic shrimp and smoked eel.
Swirl
Stroll Jesi’s Via Pergolesi to the medieval walls, then take a 30‑minute drive to Monte San Vicino’s lookout where you can bring a chilled bottle and watch the sun set over patchwork Verdicchio vineyards.
Quiz
How do limestone‑rich soils and Adriatic breezes combine to create Verdicchio’s hallmark salty‑almond finish?
Why does sur‑lie aging in neutral vessels (rather than new oak) enhance Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi’s ability to evolve complex honey and petrol notes over time?