History and Territory

The history of the spread of the vine in the Marche region probably dates back to the Syracusan Greeks, when they founded the colony Ankon, now Ancona, and used it as a centre for maritime trade. It was from here, on the boats of the merchants, that the vine arrived and was soon cultivated, adapting wonderfully to the fertile valleys of the region. It was the Romans who later consolidated production and contributed to the diffusion of the wines of the Marche, with the precious Picenum wine, praised particularly in the writings of the great Latin author Pliny the Elder. The first evidence of Verdicchio, the most well-known and symbolic grape in the Marche region, dates back to this period. In the Middle Ages the monks of the abbeys contributed to the development of the agricultural estates, the 'grancie', reorganising cultivation and rationalising the harvest. The nectar that was produced was also particularly appreciated during the Renaissance, when the Duke of Urbino used it for celebratory banquets with important lords of the time. A story of success that culminates in the present day with a production of high quality wines that are recognised internationally.

However, the most important factor in the well-deserved success of Marche wine is its territory of origin. It is in fact a particularly fertile region, made up of mountains, hills and coastline, with limited flat areas. The Apennine mountains that rise up from the centre have steep, rocky cliffs and increase in altitude as you move towards the Abruzzo region, reaching 2,500 metres in the Sibillini Mountains. The hills are the most common landscape in the area, with their wavy and harmonious conformations, extending down to the coast. A good number of long, torrential rivers cut through the valleys, starting in the Apennines and flowing into the Adriatic, forming a comb shape which is particularly favourable for cultivation. In addition, the sea, river and mountains regulate the climate, while the widespread hilly terrain creates a great deal of exposure.

Production Areas and Marche DOCG Wines

The region can boast 5 DOCGs spread throughout the territory.

Starting from the north, there is a strip of land in the province of Pesaro-Urbino that has some red and white wines from the Marche region with a strong Romagna influence, and which fall under the Colli Pesaresi denomination. Of particular interest is the Bianchello del Metauro, produced on the hills surrounding the town of Fano from the Biancame vine, more commonly known as Trebbiano Toscano.

Proceeding towards the south, the area opens up into the great Ancona basin, where some of the most important denominations are located. The Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi Riserva DOCG wine, made from the vine of the same name, is undoubtedly the success and symbol of the Marche region, defined by some critics as green gold. In the past it was served in its historic green amphora bottle, and it tends to be a white wine with good freshness and flavour, which can also give important and structured versions. Then comes Conero DOCG, a fruity, spicy and marine red wine based mainly on Montepulciano, occasionally enriched with a small amount of Sangiovese. Another denomination worth mentioning is Lacrima di Morro d'Alba DOC, which is a pretty, floral red wine produced in the inland hills.

The Macerata area is home to some important denominations: Verdicchio di Matelica DOCG and Vernaccia di Serrapetrona DOCG. The first of these, the cousin of the Jesi wine, is made from the same white grape variety, while the second is a very original and particular sparkling wine obtained mainly from the Vernaccia Nera grape variety. This area also produces very interesting reds and whites that fall under the Esino and Colli Maceratesi denominations.

Finally, the southernmost area is the one bounded by the province of Ascoli Piceno, where the famous DOCG Offida is found, in the red or white versions based on Passerina or Pecorino grapes. The Rosso Piceno denomination is also historic, based on Sangiovese and Montepulciano, and is the ancestor of the type produced in Roman times.

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