Marche

The Marches has not been known as a wine region for very long. However, every wine connoisseur will recognise the great potential of this region at the first sip.

The impressive backdrop of Marche

With their steep coastline and picturesque greenery, the Marche region looks like one big garden. Thanks to their special climate and limestone soils, they are not only suitable as a tourist region, but are also ideal for wine growing. Strong red wines and fresh white wines find a home here.

The Marches: top quality viticulture between sea and mountains

The region's limestone soils are reminiscent of the sea deposits in Tuscany. As in this region, they also offer ideal conditions for wine growing. These are complemented by the cool temperate climate, which is favoured by the location between the sea and the mountains. This cool climate is particularly suitable for the cultivation of slowly maturing grape varieties.

From the unnoticed region to the top producer

In the 20th century Marche was not too well connected to the Italian infrastructure. As a result, they received less attention: the simply structured wines were designed more for tourists than for true wine connoisseurs. The Marches was therefore one of the last regions to become highly renowned in Italy.

In the nineties, a reorientation towards high-quality viticulture finally followed. The wines of Tuscany had become better known and thus also considerably more expensive. Only the Marches still produced inexpensive wine from the top Tuscan variety Sangiovese. Interest in the previously unknown region quickly increased - and people discovered how well wine can be grown in the Marche.

The most famous wine from Marche

Rosso Conero: Strong red wine with berry aromas

The Rosso Conero is grown in a limited area around the city of Ancona, covering about 600 hectares of vineyards. The mineral lime and chalk soils offer ideal conditions for growing. The vines thrive mainly on the slopes of Monte Conero.

The Montepulciano grape variety sets the tone in Rosso Conero. It is predominantly developed completely varietal. If the wine is blended with Sangiovese, the Montepulciano content must nevertheless be at least 85 percent. 

The Rosso Conero is a strong ruby red wine, which is aged dry. It presents itself dense and full-bodied with a long finish. The Montepulciano grape variety provides strong tannins and fruity berry aromas. Since 2004, Rosso Conero has been classified as a DOCG wine.

Verdicchio: The most famous white wine of the Marches

Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi is one of the most famous white wines of Marche. In the past it was mainly light, uncomplicated wines. But in recent years their quality has been steadily increasing. The Verdicchio wines are now much higher in quality and show more finesse.

The Verdicchio from Marche could be described in three words: fresh, fruity and full of character. This light, dry wine is characterised by notes of apples, lemons and nuts. In the finish there are often almond notes. This Marche wine goes particularly well with fish or seafood.

Rosso Piceno: from flowers to chocolate

The second most important red wine of the Marche region is Rosso Piceno. Here, grapes from the areas of Ascoli Piceno, Ripatransone and Offida are particularly often used. Only the Rosso Piceno from the southern part of the Marches can be called Superiore.

The Sangiovese grape variety produces floral and berry aromas. But there are also winemakers who let the Montepulciano dominate. Then the wine tends to benefit from dark, chocolaty notes. The law stipulates that the Rosso Piceno must be 35 to 70 percent Montepulciano and 30 to 60 percent Sangiovese.

Interesting facts about the Marche region

Where lie the marches?

Marche is an Italian region around the capital Ancona. It is located east of Umbria, directly facing the sea.

How big is the Marche Region?

The Marche wine region covers 25000 hectares of vineyards. About 1.6 million hectolitres of wine are produced here every year. Although the area is situated on a 170 kilometre long coast, the wine is still grown in the hinterland with its gentle hills.

Which grape variety is used to make wine in the Marche?

The most common grape variety is the Montepulciano. It produces full-bodied, dense and velvety wines. The fruity aromas often have notes of berries or herbs.

Order Marche wines online on VINELLO

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