Marche

Marche is a region of central Italy with breathtaking coasts, cliffs, and caves overlooking the Adriatic Sea. Inland you can find beautiful hills rich in history and traditions. Join us in a discovery of Marche’s wine.

Marche's key Wine Areas

Colli Maceratesi DOC

Colli Maceratesi DOC is located In the lower part of Marche, throughout the Macerata province. Although Colli Maceratesi wines rarely make it out of the region, they are very popular in the region. The selection is vast and includes white, sparkling, red, and passito.

Rosso Piceno DOC

The of Picenum has a reputation for top-quality wine long before the Roman Empire occupied the territory. Nowadays, the Rossi Piceno vineyards are located on high hills (more than 700 meters above sea level), and produce famous varieties of red wines made mostly from Montepulciano and Sangiovese grapes.

Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi DOCG

This area produces Marche’s most famous white wine, Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi. The vineyards are located on the hills to the west of Ancona. Verdicchio is the main grape variety planted, along with some Malvasia. Some Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi are characterised by an amphora shaped bottle.

Offida DOCG

The Offida area produces the elegant white Passerina, the deeply fruited Pecorino, and the Offida Rosso, an interesting mix of Cabernet Sauvignon and Montepulciano.

FAQS

What wine is Marche known for?

Verdicchio DOC is the most famous type of white wine you can find in Marche, often characterised by its amphora shaped bottles.

What grapes are grown in Marche?

Verdicchio, Trebbiano, Vernaccia Nera, Albanella, Biancame, Maceratino, Pecorino, and Passerina are the most famous Marche native grape varieties.

What is distinctive about Marche’s wines?

Marche’s wines are characterised by intense scents and flavours, specifically white flowers, citrus fruits, green apples, and peaches.

Which is the best time to visit Marche?

The climate in May, June, and September is ideal. Moreover, you’ll be able to enjoy the colours of Spring and Summer while enjoying cooling breezes.

What is unique about Marche compared to other parts of Italy?

Marche offers a perfect mix of landscapes. You’ll find hills, beaches, cliffs, and caves all in one region, while also having the chance to taste some real traditional homemade cuisine. Moreover, Marche’s wines are a great way to explore some of Italy’s most typical wines.

Want to know it all?

Marche: Region in a nutshell

  • Total vineyard area:

    12,000 hectares
  • Number of producers:

    9,000
  • Total wine production per year:

    1 million hectolitres
  • Number of DOCGs:

    5
  • Number of DOCs:

    13

Marche’s Wine History

Marche’s wine history production predates the Roman Empire. In fact, some fossils suggest that wine was produced in the region as far back as the Iron Age. The region’s temperate climate and peculiar terroir makes for perfect winemaking conditions. And as the legend says, it was Verdicchio that gave the Alaric soldiers the push they needed to cross the Apennines and declare war on Rome.

Through the years, winemakers from Marche have vastly improved their offering, producing quality wines that are interesting, characterful and diverse.

Marche’s Viticulture

Marche’s diverse terroir means that winemakers of the region are able to produce a wide variety of wine. With more than 25.000 hectares of vineyards spread across hills with influences of coastal winds and rivers that lends a diverse range of flavours to the wines, from white flowers, to citrus fruits.

Moreover, over 27% of Marche’s viticulture follows organic practices which is great news for Marche’s environment.

Marche’s Top Wineries to Visit

  • Bruscia

    The Bruscia winery is a family run business that focuses on growing native Marche grapes in their 50 hectares. The estate is located on gentle hills and the predominant grape varieties are Bianchello and Sangiovese.

  • Ciù Ciù Società Agricola

    Founded in 1970, Ciù Ciù is a family run organic winery located on the hills surrounding the Ascoli-Piceno area. The winery focuses on producing different whites, such as Pecorino, Passerina, and Verdicchio, as well as top-quality reds that include Montepulciano, Sangiovese, and Barbera.

  • Marotti Campi

    The Marotti Campi winery focus on Verdicchio wines. They have 3 cuvees, each of which are characterised by different ripening times and ageing periods. This estate also makes some of the most aromatic red Lacrima varieties you can find in the region.

Best white wines from Marche

  • Verdicchio Castelli di Jesi:

    A crisp and green-tinged wine with flavours of green apple and almond. Bianchello del Metauro: A dry white wine with a delicate aroma including notes of fresh fruits and flowers.

  • Passerina:

    Characterised by apricot, peach, and pear aromas and notes of honey, herbs, and citrus fruits.

  • Colli Maceratesi Bianco:

    A fresh white wine, well balanced and citrus-like.

Best red wines from Marche

  • Conero Riserva:

    A structured, full bodied red made from late-harvested Montepulciano.

  • Vernaccia di Serrapetrona:

    The only DOCG sparkling red wine in Italy. Unusually, it undergoes three fermentations.

  • Rosso Piceno:

    These vineyards are influenced by the sea which gives the wine freshness and vibrant cherry notes.

  • Serrapetrona:

    Mostly made with Vernaccia Nera grape, this is a dry, vibrant red.