Verdicchio: Quintessential Marche and the most acclaimed white wine in Italy

Verdicchio is known for its versatility and longevity. Its name derives from the yellowish-green colour of the grapes, which maintain greenish hues even when fully ripe. Verdicchio wines are characterised by floral and fruity notes, with hints of honey, aromatic herbs and a characteristic almond aftertaste. Thanks to its high natural acidity, Verdicchio lends wines freshness and longevity, making it suitable for different vinification methods, from still white wines to classic method sparkling wines and passito. Considered one of the most acclaimed white grape varieties in Italy, its flavour conveys the unique characteristics of the Marche region.

Verdicchio is mainly grown in Castelli di Jesi and Matelica and its extraordinary versatility and longevity make it one of the most appreciated white wines in the world. The main designations that protect its quality are Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi DOC, Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi Classico Superiore DOC, Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi Riserva DOCG, Verdicchio di Matelica DOC and Riserva DOCG. Each designation has unique characteristics linked to the environment where it is grown. 

• Castelli di Jesi:Located in the province of Ancona, near the Adriatic Sea, this area benefits from a Mediterranean climate with high summer temperatures and mild winters, influenced by its proximity to the sea. Generally (but with several geographical exceptions) its wines tend to be ‘sunnier’ and more Mediterranean, with fruity notes and a well-rounded structure.
• Matelica:Located inland, surrounded by the Apennines, this area has a more continental climate with greater temperature variations between day and night, influenced by the geochemistry of the mountainous terrain. The wines tend to be fresher and more mineral, with greater acidity and a strong flavour.

It is important to remember, however, that since production of Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi is approximately 10 times higher than Verdicchio di Matelica, there are areas in the Jesi production region which have similar characteristics to Matelica. There is also a greater variety of renditions of Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi. In recent decades, the perception of Verdicchio has grown exponentially. While it was once a wine that was often associated with the historic amphora-shaped bottle, it has now broken free from that tradition and become one of Italy's most awarded white wines that can compete with the best international whites. Its ability to express freshness and complexity, and also evolve over time with refined elegance, has made it a staple on the wine lists of the finest restaurants and at industry tastings. Today, Verdicchio represents the perfect balance between tradition and innovation and is establishing itself on the world wine stage. We take a closer look at some of its ambassador wineries.

Casa Vinicola Garofoli – The past, present and future of Verdicchio

Founded in 1901, Casa Vinicola Garofoli is the oldest winery in the Marche region, run by five generations of the Garofoli family. In the 1970s, Carlo and Gianfranco Garofoli linked the company's name to the production of quality Verdicchio, contributing to the rediscovery of the grape variety using an innovative approach. Today, Caterina and Gianluca Garofoli carry on the tradition, balancing respect for tradition with innovation. The vineyards of Montecarotto, located at an altitude of 300 metres on sandy soil, are at the core of Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi DOC production, which represents about 50% of the company's output.

The Montecarotto vineyards, located at 300 metres above sea level, epitomise the excellence of Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi DOC

Winemaker Carlo Garofoli, aka the ‘king’ of Verdicchio, has dedicated his life to studying and promoting the variety, producing different iterations of Verdicchio. These are the most classic, which revolutionised Verdicchio in the 1980s, showcasing its elegance and ageing potential, the ‘Metodo Classico’ produced for the first time in 1974, the result of his intuition as to the varietal’s versatility, the oak-aged version, born from French experience, and finally Podium, known as his masterpiece, which demonstrates the longevity of Verdicchio without the use of wood. The finest expression of this is the Selezione Gioacchino Garofoli, a limited edition of wines crafted only in the best years, which are released only when they are at their peak (even after 10 years).

Caterina and Gianluca Garofoli, the fifth generation of the Garofoli family, are now at the company’s helm  

According to Daria Garofoli, despite the fact that quality has been recognised by industry members, Verdicchio is struggling to grow in popularity. The poor reputation of the Marche as a wine region affects consumer perception, and consumers are often not very familiar with the grape variety. To change this, the region needs to be promoted more to tourists and Verdicchio needs to be championed. The variety’s appearance on wine lists in large Italian and international cities is limited, making constant communication and promotion essential. Garofoli exports 50% of its wines to over 50 countries, with a strong presence in Italy and abroad. Markets such as Canada offer great opportunities, but consumers still need to be educated about the real value of Verdicchio beyond the shape of the bottle. Garofoli is determined to continue being an ambassador for Verdicchio, promoting it with passion and expertise on the international wine scene.

The historic headquarters of the Garofoli Winery in Castelfidardo. The headquarters include offices, a winery, an ageing cellar and a shop for direct sales and wine tourism

La Canosa – A new approach that respects tradition

In the heart of the Marche hills, within the Monti Sibillini National Park, lies La Canosa, a winery that has chosen to make the most of Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi. The company recently acquired 13 hectares of vineyards in Maiolati Spontini, an area renowned for the excellence of the variety and today produces three distinctive versions: Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi Classico DOC, Superiore DOC and Riserva DOCG.

Riccardo Reina, the owner of La Canosa, and his daughter Alberica are members of the Reina family who control and manage Illva Saronno Holding

Verdicchio is characterised by its versatility and longevity, with a complex aromatic profile recalling white peach, citrus fruits and fresh almonds. La Canosa has chosen to enhance its purity through ageing entirely in steel: 6 months for the Classico, 8 for the Superiore and 12 months for the Riserva, followed by bottle ageing lasting 2, 4 and 6 months respectively. Its harmonious structure and marked minerality make it suitable for many gastronomic combinations. Each version of Verdicchio has a different potential pairing that can range from the aperitif to hearty main courses.

The La Canosa vineyards are managed with great attention to quality and sustainability, always aiming for the most genuine expression of the grape variety

In recent years, Verdicchio has gained in prestige, shifting from quantity to quality production. It is now featured in industry masterclasses and on wine lists, both in Italy and abroad, on a par with the great international white wines. La Canosa contributes to this appreciation with annual production of 60,000 bottles, distributed both in Italy and in the most important foreign markets, including New York, Washington DC, Florida, the United Kingdom and Germany. With a strong commitment to quality and respect for the region, La Canosa continues to enhance its Verdicchio, making it the protagonist of a new wine renaissance in the Marche region.

Velenosi - A success story 

The Velenosi winery was founded in the 1980s by Angela and Ercole Velenosi, with the aim of developing the native grape varieties of the Marche region. From the initial 9 hectares, the company has grown and now exports to over 60 countries with annual production of 2.4 million bottles. The company's mission is to make the region known through Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi, the symbol of Marche winemaking. Grown in the Verdicchio Classico area, Verdicchio Velenosi targets the premium market segment, with a profile that combines elegance and freshness. The variety, known for its minerality and harmony, has established itself internationally thanks to its versatility in gourmet food pairings.

Angela Velenosi, the owner of the namesake company, with her two children, Marianna (marketing and management control) and Matteo (the winemaker tasked with research & development)

Verdicchio is now a benchmark for Italian whites. Its versatility and strong identity make it increasingly appreciated abroad. The wine’s future, according to Velenosi, lies in reaching a young audience, positioning itself as a quality wine for informal occasions such as aperitifs and dinners with friends. Velenosi produces about 150,000 bottles of Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi DOC (also organic), two thirds of which are exported. The main markets are North America, Europe and Japan, with growth in South-East Asia. Thanks to the future-thinking new generation represented by Marianna and Matteo Velenosi, the company is continuing to promote Verdicchio as an ambassador of Marche winemaking across the globe.

The Velenosi company shop in Ascoli Piceno ‘Punto di Vino’ is a way of engaging directly with consumers

Mancini Wines - Baluardi del Verdicchio

Mancini Wines, founded in 1960 in Castelbellino, in the heart of the Verdicchio Classico area, moved to its new premises in Maiolati Spontini in the 1980s. Today, with around 20 hectares of vines, the company produces quality wines, with an almost exclusive focus on Verdicchio, which accounts for 90% of production. In order to obtain high quality grapes, yields are kept well below the disciplinary limits. The quest for excellence is also reflected in the selection of ancient Verdicchio clones from old vineyards. The company is located within its own vineyards, in the dedicated land of Maiolati Spontini and Castelbellino, in the heart of the classic Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi area. Here, vineyard management is carried out with a low environmental impact, an ethical choice for the region and those who work in the vineyards. Quality control continues meticulously throughout the production process, right through to bottling and packaging.

1. The headquarters of the Mancini winery is located in the heart of its vineyards, in the classic production area of Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi

The company produces the main Verdicchio designations: Castelli di Jesi Verdicchio Riserva Classico DOCG, Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi Classico DOC, and Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi Passito. While maintaining strong roots in the domestic market which accounts for 90% of sales, Mancini Verdicchio is also making inroads abroad, particularly in the EU and the USA. Mancini has always focused on improving quality, adopting modern techniques while respecting tradition. This commitment has led to numerous awards in major national and international wine competitions, as well as a presence in the sector's most prestigious guides. With a focus on the enhancement of Verdicchio and a constant commitment to quality, Mancini continues to be a leader in the production of this fine white wine from the Marche region.

1. For Mancini, the commitment to quality starts with low environmental impact management to protect the land and those who work in the vineyards

CasalFarneto -  where Verdicchio epitomises the region

Located in Serra de' Conti, in the hills of the Marche region in the province of Ancona, CasalFarneto stands in the heart of Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi production. Founded in 1995, the company is now run by Paolo Togni, who has embarked on an important journey of modernisation and sustainability. Boasting 60 hectares of vineyards, 28 of which are planted to Verdicchio, CasalFarneto combines tradition and innovation. The winery, built in 2005 based on a design by architect Nazareno Petrini, is an example of an eco-sustainable approach, blending into the landscape and maintaining natural thermal control.
Since 2017, production has expanded to include Verdicchio-based Vermouth, while 2019 saw the opening of Casale Rita, a space dedicated to hospitality and tasting. The commitment to eco-sustainability includes integrated crop management in the vineyard (SQNPI), the use of alternative vessels for winemaking (ceramic, earthenware, and terracotta), the use of 100% recyclable corks, and the production of solar energy from photovoltaic panels. These practices enabled the company to secure Equalitas certification in 2023, reinforcing its sustainable credentials.

1. The CasalFarneto vineyard covers 60 hectares, 28 of which are earmarked for Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi  

Verdicchio is at the core of its range and is produced in its main variations: Classico, Classico Superiore and Riserva. CasalFarneto's approach focuses on modernity, maintaining the typicality of the varietal with elegant, fresh wines with good ageability.
A flexible grape variety, Verdicchio can be used to make sparkling wines, structured wines for ageing and passito. The aim is to engage with new audiences, while continuing to act as a magnet for connoisseurs. CasalFarneto produces around 500,000 bottles of Verdicchio per year, with 75% destined for the domestic market and 25% for export. Established markets include the United States, Northern Europe and Japan, while there is growth in China and Eastern Europe. CasalFarneto has its sights set firmly on the future whilst showing respect for the region and continues to promote Verdicchio internationally.

1. The semi-underground winery at CasalFarneto protects the landscape and ensures a constant temperature of 18-20° in the vat room

Togni - ‘Rocca dei Forti’: A benchmark for sparkling wines

Rocca dei Forti captures the passion and vision of Luigi Togni who pioneered production of sparkling wines in the Marche region. Its history is deeply rooted in dedication, quality and love for the region, values that the Togni family has always upheld with commitment and determination. In the heart of DOC Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi, the grapes earmarked for its sparkling wines are grown and processed with a perfect balance between tradition and innovation. The sparkling process takes place in the Serra San Quirico facilities, where each phase is guided by the desire to enhance the unique characteristics of this extraordinary grape variety.

Verdicchio Spumante stands out for its flavourful character, acidity and great drinkability, accompanied by fine, elegant beading. Its broad aromatic spectrum, with slight nuances depending on the vintage, lends the wine an unmistakable identity. In recent years, Verdicchio has become increasingly popular thanks to its versatility and ability to adapt to new consumer trends where freshness, lightness and sustainability are valued. Rocca dei Forti is one of the leading producers of sparkling Verdicchio, with a consolidated presence in the Italian hospitality sector and in over 30 countries worldwide. The company is committed to the future but also to promoting the region and its wines, pursuing a spirit of excellence that has deep roots and an international focus.

Azienda Agricola Zaccagnini: sustainability and character

Founded in 1970 by Mario Zaccagnini, Azienda Agricola Zaccagnini is a leading producer of Verdicchio. Situated in Staffolo, in the Marche region, 20 km from the Adriatic Sea, the company boasts a unique location. Its altitude of 450 metres and the maritime origin of the soil create an ideal pedoclimate for Verdicchio. Vineyard management follows organic certification principles, preserving the landscape and respecting biodiversity. Production is based on a balance between tradition and innovation. Each phase, from pruning to hand harvesting, is carried out with care to maximise sense of place. The winery is managed by Franco, the son-in-law of Mario, the company’s founder, while Livia, Mario's wife, safeguards the history and culinary traditions of the family. The new generation, represented by Martina, is passionately carrying on the legacy. Using a variety of processes and techniques, the company demonstrates the versatility of this grape variety, that has the ability to express itself in unique ways and guarantees great longevity. The range includes both classic Verdicchio and reserve wines, as well as sparkling versions made using the Charmat and traditional methods. Compared to the past, the quality of Verdicchio is extremely high, but to further increase its value it is essential to promote the region and its land. The company produces around 1,500 hl of Verdicchio, with key export markets in Europe, the USA, Canada and the UK.

1. Zaccagnini was founded in 1973 in Staffolo in Contrada Salmagina, an area renowned for Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi

1. Rosella Zaccagnini, daughter of the founder Mario, has been running the family business since 2002 with her husband Franco

As a native of the Marche region, I am proud that Verdicchio is now the symbol of Italian white winemaking and one of the oldest and most versatile white wines. Although it has already garnered international recognition, it still has room for growth, especially in terms of distribution abroad and public perception. Its future will depend on the ability to promote it and tell its story, maintaining the right balance between tradition and innovation and being respectful of its origins and region.

Zaccagnini also has guest accomodation and a restaurant where patrons can enjoy Verdicchio wine and typical products from the Marche region surrounded by vineyards