Italy - Marche

Question 1

Where does the region lie?

Answer 1

Central Italy, extending from the Adriatic Sea to the Apennines.
Bordered by Emilia Romagna to the north, Tuscany to the west and Abruzzo to the south.

Question 2

What styles of wine are produced in Marche?

Answer 2

Mainly produces red wines from blends of Montepulciano and Sangiovese and whites from Verdicchio.
The two black grapes now produced 3x as much wine as Verdicchio, which used to be the regions main varieties.
Most wines are inexpensive to mid, with some Riserva wines attaining premium prices.

Question 3

What is the land suitable for viticulture within Marche? What is the climate here?

Answer 3

On the low hills rising from the coast, and in some higher zones.
Broadly Mediterranean climate with hot summers and little rainfall in summer.
Inland, west of Ancona, the climate is more continental with helpful, dry autumn’s.

Question 4

What are the general soil types?

Answer 4

Principally limestone and clay, with a good balance between free-draining and retaining sufficient water for vines through summer.

Question 5

What is the breakdown of the top 6 varieties planted in Marche?

Answer 5

Sangiovese 21%
Montepulciano 19%
Verdicchio 14%
Biancame 6%
Trebbiano Toscano 5%
Passerina 4%