Marche
The Marche region boasts 170 kilometers of Adriatic coastline, backed by fertile hills hosting nearly 18,000 hectares of vineyards. Located centrally in Italy, it shares borders with Emilia-Romagna, Tuscany, Umbria, Lazio, and Abruzzo. The region's viticultural history dates back to ancient times, with Celts, Etruscans, and Romans cultivating grapes, including the famous Verdicchio, which allegedly fortified troops during the Visigoth attack on Rome.
Tourism has significantly contributed to the success of Marche wines, with around 17,500 hectares currently under vine cultivation. White varieties such as Verdicchio, Pecorino, and Trebbiano Toscano dominate, while Sangiovese and Montepulciano lead the reds, alongside emerging stars like Lacrima di Morro and Vernaccia di Serrapetrona.
Experimentation with low yields, selective grape picking, and barrel aging has yielded exceptional wines, showcasing the potential of indigenous grapes like Montepulciano. Marche produces roughly equal amounts of red and white wines, totaling approximately 98 million liters annually, with over a third falling within 5 DOCG and 15 DOC zones.
The renowned Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi DOC stands out, with some areas achieving DOCG status since 2011. Rosso Conero and Rosso Piceno highlight the region's red wine prowess, particularly the velvety Rosso Conero produced around Ancona. Bianchello del Metauro and Lacrima di Morro offer distinctive expressions, while the rise of Pecorino white wines adds to the region's growing reputation for quality and diversity.
FACTS
Capital: Ancona
Vineyard: approx. 17,500 hectares
Total production/year: around 98 million
Share of Italian viticulture: 1.9%.
