Wine Verdicchio From Matelica : history , properties and producers
| Italian White Wines from Marche Region - Verdicchio di Matelica |
History of Verdicchio di Matelica : This wine has a relatively recent history: it had not been appreciated until recently thanks to the more renowned Verdicchio from the Castles of Jesi. The Verdicchio of Matelica became a DOC (designation of origin) in 1967. This discipline set the rules to plant grape strains and to grow them for wine making. It was wanted to divide a wide zone of Verdicchio cultivation to put into evidence how the same vine cultivated in different zones give a decidedly different sensation and flavour. The Verdicchio from the Castles of Jesi has more historical tradition then the Matelica one.
Before becoming a DOC, the Verdicchio of Matelica wasn’t a quality wine as it was only the result of a hupazard mix of grapes by farmers to empty their wine cellars. Especially in the last 20 years, only the herd work of local producers with wine experts has allowed the Verdicchio of Matelica to become an important regional white wine, distinguishing itself from the Verdicchio of the Castles of Jesi The Verdicchio of Matelica Riserva has received the DOCG in 2009.
Vineyard and Grape variety: Verdicchio of Matelica wine must be composed of more than 85% of Verdicchio grapes. The producers can use other white grape varieties, allowed to grow in the Marche region, for the 15% remaining.
Where is produced Verdicchio di Matelica? The production area of this type of wine includes the towns situated on the high valley of Esino river: Camerino, Castelraimondo, Esanatoglia, Gagliole, Matelica, Pioraco, Cerreto d’Esi e Fabriano. There are various versions of the Verdicchio of Matelica: dry, sparkling, reserve (aged for more than 25 months) and raisin.
Color , Flavour and Taste of Verdicchio di Matelica : it’s a structural wine, sapid and characterized by a nice aroma tipical of continental microclimate. The Matelica vineyard are cultivated on calcareous soils that give it refinement and taste/olfactory quality. Colour: straw yellow with greenish hues. Flavour: dry, persistent and hot in the palate, with some hints of ripe fruit, candied in the reserve version
How to serve Verdicchio from Matelica : The Verdicchio of Matelica must be served at 8-10°C temperature, in tulip glasses to preserve its structure and its softness. It is excellent with seafood, fish soups, but we can also combine it with white meats.
