Verdicchio
The white wine star from the Marches
This very old white grape variety was originally native from northern Italy, in Venice. Her new home are the Marches, where she produces great white wines, mainly dry and sparkling. Verdicchio is very widespread in Italy. They are mainly found under one of the many synonyms such as: Angelica, Lugana, Pevarise, Pfefferer, Terbiana, Turviana, Verdone and many more. It is not related to the Spanish grape variety Verdejo or to the Portuguese Verdelho, even if the names sound similar. Its origin dates back to the Etruscan era, when it also played an important role in the conquest of Rome.
Verdicchio is a grape variety with medium to late ripening, also vulnerable to botrytis (noble rot) and therefore suitable for the production of sweet wines. It translates into fresh white wines with an ageing potential. Hence, through its emphasis on acidity, it also suits for the production of sparkling wines. Typical aromas are citrus fruits, peaches, bitter almonds and apples, combined with a mineral and salty touch.
Today, the cultivated area in Italy is about 3,530 hectares. Verdicchio is also grown in small quantities in Argentina, Brazil and California.
