Le Marche is a region in central Italy known for its rich wine tradition. With a coastline along the Adriatic Sea and bordering Emilia-Romagna and Abruzzo, this relatively unknown region offers a wealth of wines that are both white and red. Despite often being overlooked, the wines of Le Marche definitely deserve more recognition.

The region is proud of its 5 DOCGs and 15 DOCs, demonstrating a strong commitment to quality and diversity in wine production. These classifications guarantee that every bottle you open is the result of meticulous care and craftsmanship.

For wine enthusiasts who want to deepen their knowledge, the AIS Marche (Italian Sommelier Association Marche) offers a comprehensive PDF booklet with detailed information about the region’s wines.

Le Marche is a region with a rich history in wine production, dating back centuries. In contrast to the well-known wine regions such as Tuscany and Veneto, where large estates often rule, the winemakers of Le Marche opt for a more small-scale approach that puts quality first.

This means that many of the region’s leading producers do not own vineyards themselves, but instead source grapes from local farmers or small plots scattered throughout the region. A number of these producers are cooperatives, where every farmer is a member and shares in both the profits and the shared knowledge and resources that the collective has to offer.

History

The history of wine growing in Le Marche is a fascinating journey through time, taking us back thousands of years to the Etruscan period. This ancient civilization, known for its rich culture and art, was among the first to appreciate the fertile lands of Le Marche for viticulture. The influence of the Etruscans was later taken over by the Romans, who had a great appreciation for the wines from this region. The Roman historian Polybius already mentioned the quality of Marchigian wine, and Pliny the Elder confirmed that even emperors preferred this wine.

Over the centuries, the wine tradition in Le Marche has continued to flourish, thanks in part to the contributions of different cultures such as that of the Lombards. This variety of influences has led to a wealth of wine styles, each with its own unique character and flavor profile. Today, Le Marche is known for its wide range of wines, from robust reds to fresh and fruity whites, all of which bear witness to the deep historical roots and craftsmanship that characterizes this region.

White wines

Verdicchio

One of the oldest vines in Le Marche is Verdicchio, which some say comes from Greco di Tufo, introduced by the Etruscans. Verdicchio is the symbolic wine of the Marche, which is expressed in two main values: Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi DOCG and Verdicchio di Matelica Riserva DOCG. The first is produced in the hilly area near Ancona, while the second comes from a more internal and mountainous area, where the climate is more continental. Both Verdicchios go well with fish dishes, white meat and fresh cheeses.

Bianchello del Metauro

Another typical white wine from the Marche is the Bianchello del Metauro DOC, obtained from the Bianchello (or Biancame) vine, which has a delicate and floral taste. This wine has a history dating back to 500 BC. that has certainly stood the test of time.

Offida Pecorino

The Pecorino DOC is an intense and mineral wine that takes its name from the vine of the same name and is often promoted as a red dressed in white. Pecorino is one of the most versatile DOCG wines from Le Marche.

Offida Passerina

The Passerina IGT is a fruity and aromatic wine produced from the passerina grape – at least 85% and the rest consists of permitted, non-aromatic white grapes from the production area. It is a wine that goes well with starters and starters. The sparkling variant, called Passerina Spumante, is often served with the famous Olive Ascolane.

Red wines

Rosso Conero

As for red wines, the best known is Rosso Conero DOCG, a powerful and structured wine that comes from the Montepulciano vine, grown on the slopes of Monte Conero, near the sea. It is produced from grapes that ripen in a limited sunny area at the foot of the mountain of the same name, just south of Ancona. Rosso Conero has an intense ruby red color and a scent of black cherries and aromatic herbs. Goes well with red meat, game and mature cheeses.

Rosso Piceno Superiore

Easily one of Italy’s most famous dry red wines, Rosso Piceno Superiore is produced in the provinces of Ancona, Ascoli Piceno, Fermo and Macerata. This wine covers the largest production zone covering the entire lowlands and medium hills of the center and south of the region. For the most part the area is inhabited by the ancient Piceni. Rosso Piceno Superiore has the DOC classification and must be aged in wooden barrels for at least a year before it can be sold.

Lacrima di Morro d’Alba

The Lacrima di Morro d’Alba is produced by only a handful of winemakers in Le Marche and is made from red, tear-shaped grapes. This wine is produced in a small area north of the Esino River in the province of Ancona with Morro d’Alba in the middle. It is produced from the lacrima grape, native to the area. A rich ruby red with violet reflections in young wines. A pleasant, dry but soft taste and a rich fruity nose reminiscent of blueberries and violets. It is one of the best wines from Le Marche and has been DOC classified since 1985, but is considered a much-loved regional favourite.

Our favorite wines from Le Marche

After living in Le Marche for over 20 years, we have tried quite a few local wines. We thought it would be fun to share our personal favorite wines and which ones we think you should try.

Our top choice is undoubtedly the Verdicchio di Matelica Cambrugiano from the cantina Belisario. Produced since 1988, this wine is obtained exclusively from Verdicchio grapes, a process that requires care at every step. The wine is aged for at least a year in toasted oak barrels, which contributes to the complexity and depth of the flavor profile. The wine reveals floral aromas mixed with hints of vanilla, a result of the aging in oak barrels.

Another favorite is the Falerio from the cantina Ciù Ciù. The production area of this wine is located in the hilly area of the province of Ascoli Piceno up to an altitude of 350 meters above sea level. The indigenous Pecorino and Passerina vines, excellently combined with Trebbiano, refine and characterize this wine to be consumed young.

For lovers of red wines we recommend the Rosso Conero Nerone from the cantine Moncaro. The name Nerone is because of its intense and impenetrable ruby red color. The grapes come from a vineyard in the Conero Natural Park. With great structure and complexity, with aromas ranging from fruit to spices, this wine can be forgotten in the cellar for years.

Finally, if you’re looking for something truly local, try the Rosso Carpentano or the Rosso Piceno Brugiano from the cantina Terre di San Ginesio. Carpentano comes from the vineyards on the hills of San Ginesio where Vernaccia Nera and Sangiovese have found the ideal conditions to develop. From the grapes of these vines we obtain a fragrant wine with a particularly pleasant taste. You can see the vine as you drive from San Ginesio to Azienda Cerqueto, on the left. It doesn’t get more local than this!