Marche 2 Flashcards
The only Italian region reffered in plural form?
Le Marche
Describe le Marche
Quitessential central Italian landscape.
Isolated from major auto routs and largely untouched by development
Rolling hills and medieval villages overlooking Adriatic Sea
Long flat coast line
Known for truffles
Marchigiani
People of Marche
What was the original name for Marche
Marca a German word meaning border
Appeared in the Middle Ages
Was feudal territory ruled by a “machese (marquis)” forming borders between different kingdoms.
Modern-day the borders considered Holy Roman Empire in this part of central Italy
When did Marche acquire its current name
1815
When and who were the first people to inhabit Marche?
1,000 BC
Piceni tribe where their territory included Marche and Abruzzo
Who was the 2nd known tribe in Marche?
in 4th century BC
Senones (a Celtic-Gallic tribe) from NW Europe crossed the alps and settled in Romagna and northern Marche
Piceni only maintained control of the southern half
Who were the 3rd known settlers
Between 5th-4th c BC, Greeks from Siracusa founded Ankòn (Modern Acona) and promoted viticulture and wine production
What happened in 299BC?
Piceni allied with the Romans to defeat the Senones
Romans stayed and settled multiple colonies
Piceni had to submit to the Romans
Viticulture took off with Roman rule
What happened after the fall of the Roman empire?
Barbarian invastions happened
Viticulture collapsed and only survived the Middle Ages due to monks who improved on the Roman winemaking
What is a comuni?
Independent cities during the Middle Ages (e.g. Firenze)
These helped to restore viticulture after decline
What century did wine making become a feature of Marche?
14th century
When did Papal sovereignty become complete over Marche?
17th Century
Who is Andrea Bacci
Native of Matelica
Renaissance
Philosopher and naturalist and chief Doctor for Pope Sixtus V
Wrote: “De Naturali Vinorum Historia” - detailed description of viticulture and winemaking of the day. Best in class at the time
When did mezzadria** & **coltura promiscuaend in Marche
1960s & 1970s
Introduction of 1st DOC and outside investment began to modernize the wine industry
Who is Francesco Scacchi?
Doctor and Marche native
wrote “De Salubri Potu Dissertatio” in 1622
It provided instructions on how to obtain fizzy wines through re-fermentation in the bottle.
Considered the 1st example of Italian sparkling wines
Marche geological breakdown (hills, plains, mountains)
Marche is entirely composed of Hills and Mountains
200km from NW to SE
Completely lacks any substantive plains
31% Mountains
69% Hills
West is Central Apennines with peaks 2,000m
What is the highest peak in Marche
Monti Sibillini
SW corner of Marche in Apennines (one of the highest)
& highest in Marche
Where does Marche rank in hilliest regions of Italy?
2nd behind Umbria
Where are vineyards found in Marche?
30km wide band of hills that encompasses 2/3 of the entire region.
Majority of vineyards are here.
What isw il gomito d’Italia?
Elbow of Italy in Marche where the coast shifts from Ancona to Monte Cònero
Most important rivers in Marche
Foglia
Metauro
Misa
Esino
Potenza
Chienti
Aso
Tronto
What is the climate of Marche?
Mediterranean
Become more continental moving inland to Central Apennines
Mountains trump sea influence with altitude
Greater season and diurnal variations
Adds to success of white grapes
Marche Topograpghy
3 Diagonal bands all running 200km NW to SE
- Western Band (31% of territory) - Mountains - Central Apennines - 31% includes Monti Sibillini - SW corner is one of the highest over 2,000m
2. Middle Band - 20-30km wide: Hills - 69%
- Narrow Eastern Band - Coastline - very narrow and flat - sandy, gravely beaches - Monte Cònero provides stunning vistas - Monte Cònere near Ancona on the sea
What are the soils of Marche?
3 Different Groupings
- Inland, near Matelica & Serrapettrona - medium to high elevation - sandstone, marl and clay
- Closer Coast Hills (Pesaro & Urbino, Catelli di Jesi, Ancona, Macerata, Offida and Ascoli Picerno) - Calcareous Clay
3. Coastal Hills - Pesaro to San Benedetto del Tronto - Clay, Sandy-gravelly marine sediments
Marche Percentage of Red and White
50%+ red / 50%- white
Marche Grape Varieties
Sagiovese 21%
Montepulciano 19%
Verdicchio 13%
Biancame 6%
Trebbiano Toscano 4%
Passerina 4%
Malvasia Bianca Lunga 3%
Pecorino 3%
What are the 3 most widely planted grapes accounting for 50% of Marche production
Sagiovese, Montepulciano, Verdicchio
How much to Marche’s native grapes account for plantings?
Native grapes are over 27% for the majority of plantings in Marche (more than Sangiovese at 21%)
How common are International Varieties?
Play a minor role with only 5% plantings
Sangiovese & Montepulciano in Marche
Often in blends together
Sangiovese provides acidity and sour cherry
Montepulciano - more dominant in the south.
Blended typically Deep Ruby, Fruity, Red Cherry
Full Body, High Alcohol, Thick, Ripe Tannins
Lacrima di Morro d’Alba
Native to the town in Ancona province
Almost extinct in 20th c, but saved by Stefano Mancinelli
Dark Ruby with purple highlights
Intense perfume rose, violets, wild berries, spice
Refreshing acidity, Balances tannins
Can be used for passito
Vernaccia Nera
Some believe it is identical to Cannonau
Or native to Serraperrona (where it has limited planting)
Unrelated to V di San Gimignano of V di Oristano
Used for distinctive sparkling wines - dry and passito versions
Deep Color, RIch & Full Bodied
Red Flowers (Rose & Violet), Black Fruit
Who saved Lacrima from extinction?
Stefano Mancinelli
and the creation of Lacrima di Morro (1985)
Verdicchio
Marche’s most important grape and Italy’s noble variety
Identical to Trebbiano di Soave (Veneto) arriving in 15th c
Verde - Green referring to the skin color and wines
Floral and Citrus, Minneral, Almond finish
Well structured, High, Bracing Acidity, High ABV
Can age to complex with Flint and Kerosene
Affinity for oak but can be aged in neutral vessels
Passerina
Ancient white grape from central Adriatic coast
Marche boast largest area
Floral, Ripe Citrus, Tropical Fruit
High Acidity means it is suitable for sparkling or sweet passito
High yielding leading to names like
Pagadebito (pays the debts) Cacciodebit (chase the debts) Uva d’Oro - golden grape
Pecorino
Native to Tronto River near Monti Sibilini
Widely planted up to 19th c, 1980s Guido Cocci Grifoni brought back to life
Early ripening, Hardy grape, Modest and Irregular Yields
Performs well at high altitudes
Ripens with High Sugar balanced by High natural Acidity, M-H ABV
Herbal, CItrus, Mineral, Structured
Similar to SavBlanc
Describe Viticulture in Marche
1950s/60s started moving to modern vine growing trained in Doppio Capovolto & tendone
1980s - 2nd wave of regeneration - higher density and trained Guyot or Cordone Speronato (tendone has disappeared)
What is the % of organic wine (viticoltura biologica) making in Marche?
20% of vineyards are farmed organically
Represents 7% of Italy’s organic wine growing
What is Marche’s wine production?
17,000 ha
2% Italy
How many DOC & DOCG?
What is the production percentage for DOC/G and IGT?
DOC - 15
DOCG - 3
DOC/G - 35%
IGT - 30%
Bulk is rest without origin
What is the Istituto Marchigiano di Tutela Vini
IMT is an umbrella consorzio (1999)
Represents 16 appellations (4 DOCG) in Pesaro-Urbino, Ancoa & Macerata
For Northern & Central Marche (800+ winers and 45% of total area under vine & 90% of wine exports)
What are the Northern Marche Appellations
Bianchello del Metauro - White wine only (1969)
Pergola DOC - known for atypical wines and Roman gilded statues - local grape Aleatico Grape
Colli Pesaresi DOC - covers entire northern winegrowing Romagna to Ancona - local grape Albanella
What is the ancient and traditional Northern Marche wine specialty called?
Visciola using Vernaccia di Pergola or Montepulciano using VISCIOLE a local, wild cherry
Describe Monte Cònero
aka Monte d’Acona - highest and most spectacular cliff on eastern seaboard
572m in altitude
1 of 2 most important promontories on Adriatic
Cònero Riserva DOCG
Rosso Cònero DOC
Around Monte Cònero coastal, hilly includes Acona
Here is where Marche transitions from Sangiovese to Montepulcianothe
2 appellations exactly cover the same space
Montepulciano 85%+
DOC: 15% other red, no madatory ageing
DOCG: 15% max Sangiovese, 2 years Ageing
Seen as a Cru
Lacrima di Morro DOC
Lacrima grape min 85%, Usually 100%
Some add small % of Montepulciano
Intensely aromatic, fresh fruity, Rose, Violet, Berry, Spice, Medium Body, Firm Tannins
Stainless Steel, unoaked
Superiore, Passito
Gentle, rolling hills, 25k from Adriatc around Morro d’Alba
Clay
Who introduced the famous green Etruscan amphorae bottle for Verdicchio?
Fazi Battaglia in 1953
How was Verdicchio traditionaly made prior to 1950s.
Made with skin contact resulting in textured, deeply pigmented, full body and oxidative wines with bitter finish.
When did Castelli di Jesi achieve DOC status?
1969
Who were Verdicchio producers in 1980s focused on quality?
Bocci
Garofoli
Sartarelli
Colonnara
Umani Ronchi
Lowered yields and crafted distinctive and long-lived Verdicchios.
Describe the wine growing area of Castelli di Jesi
Extends eastward from the foothills of Central Apennines
NE is 16km from sea
Misa River in the North
Esino River in the South
Esino River Valley is the Classico area. Vineyards are 80-550m ASL, most found at 80-300m
What are the climatic influences in Castelli di Jesi
Adriatic and Central Apennines
More Mediterranean in the NE closer to the sea
Becomes more continental inland as elevation increases
Grapes are picked earlier in warmer regions
Who is Frederick II
Holy Roman Emperor during the Middle Ages
Granted Jesi with “special rights”
It grew in power and gained villages called castelli because of hilltop fortifications.
Today includes 22 villages, 20 in Ancona and 2 in Macerata
Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi DOC
Min 85% Verdicchio (now mostly 100%)
With Malvasia Bianca Lunga &/or Trebbiano Toscano
Entry level wines to be consumed young
Leafy Green, Mineral, Almond finish
Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi Classico Superiore DOC
Superiore can only be applied to classico sub-zone
Criteria - lower yield, higher ABV
Often single vineyards or parcels
More structured and Fuller Body
Unoaked with complexity as ageing
Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi Passito DOC
Smallest production in this DOC
Balances richness with Noble Rot with bitterness of air-dried Verdichhio
Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi Spumante DOC
Spumante is a minor category in DOC
Tank or Traditional method
Castelli di Jesi Verdicchio Riserva DOCG
Stricter production rules
Higher ABV 12.5% v 11.5%
Lower max yields
18 months ageing / min 6m in bottle (Oak small or Botti)
Best grapes from single vineyard or parcel
Fuller, More textured, High Acidity, Minerality
With Age, Candied Fruit, Bread, Marzipan and Smoke
Menzioni Geografiche Aggiuntive
MGAs or additional official geographical designations that can be listed on the labels of ceratin DOC or DOCG
How many MGAs are associated with Verdichhio?
99 MGAs
Describe Matelica
History: Matelic is an ancient town in Central Marche dates to the time of Piceni, Verdichhio started in 1579 here
Location: SW of Jesi and 20km from Umbria located in the Camertina Valley in the Central Apennines
Production: 300 ha under vine with same quality as Jesi
Topology: Hills are 250-700m elevation - vines planted 280-480m
Climate: uniform and differs from Jesi - higher altitude, cooler and more Continental, more rainfall, longer growing season and later harvest
Style: uniform growing conditions make uniform wines. Higher acidty and Citrus, Mineral than Jesi
Verdicchio di Matelica DOC
Min 85% Verdicchio, often 100%
Cover exact same geographic area as Riserva
Blending permitted
Honey, Wheat Berry, Grain, Orange Peel, sometimes Petrol
Spumante, Passito, No superiore
Verdicchio di Matelica Riserva DOC
Min 85% Verdicchio, often 100%, Blending permitted
Required - min 12.5% ABV, lower yield, 18 months
Honey, Wheat Berry, Grain, Orange Peel, sometimes Petrol
Cover exact same geographic area as DOC
Describe Serrapetrona
Description: Tiny hilltop village at foothills of Apennines 50km from sea
Climate: Has cool, continental-influenced climate
Soil: Clay and Marl
Vernaccia di Serrapetrona DOC
Min 85% Vernaccia Nera, 100% Vernaccia
10 months ageing
Still, Dry wines
Rich Full Body, Tannic, Well Structured
Some made from from dried grapes
Vernaccia di Serrapetrona DOCG
Min 85% Vernaccia Nera, usually 100%
ONLY PRODUCES SPARKLING - One of smallest DOCG
Min 40% grapes dried grapes (appassimento)
Dry or Sweet
3 Fermentations
- Fresh grapes
- Semi Dried
- 1&2 blended then fermented usuallytank
Describe Offida Winegrowing Area
Location: Southeastern Marche near Piceno about 25km from the Coast
Description: Ancient Village atop a rocky cliff between Tesino River and Tronto River
Soils: Clay except for coast which is sandy and gravel
Climate: Coast versus Island
Offida Pecorino DOCG
Min 85% Pecorino, usually 100%
Considered Best of District
White, Floral, Citrus, Stone, Tropical Fruit with light Herbal
Structured, Mineral, Savory, High Acitiy, Medium - High ABV
Offida Rosso DOCG
Min 85% Montepulciano
24 months / 12 months on oak / 3 months in bottle
Small (up to 15%) CabSav
Used to only require 50% Montepulciano and min 30% CabSav (2011) no longer mandatory
Offida Passerina DOCG
Min 85% Passerina, usually 100%
White, Floral & Fruity, Pineapple, Ripe Citrus, Pear, Apple
Crisp Acidity, Pronounced Minerality
Terre di Offida DOC
Min 85% Passerina
Only Spumante, Passito or Vin Santo
Rosso Piceno DOC
Created 1968
Marche’s 2nd largest DOC in terms of volume
Flexible 35-85% Montepulciano, 15-50% Sangiovese, 15% other approved black grapes
Light Styles - more Sangiovese
Fuller - more Montepulciano
Rosso Piceno Superiore DOC
Official subzone, considered best
Smaller / more restrictive zone / production eg lower yield, high
Cannot be released before Nov 1 year following harvest
Used to be Sangiovese focused but Disciplinaire switched to Montepulciano
Marche IGT
Covers entire region, several high quality bottles are made varietal Montepulciano, Sangiovese and blends of traditional and international grapes
Olive d’Acolana
A specialty of Ascoli Province in March
Olives stuffed with meat and parmesan, breaded and fried
Why are the rivers important in Marche? Name the most important?
Perpendicular to the Ocean and channels sea breezes into the interior
Foglia, Metauro, Misa, Esino, Potenza, Chienti, Aso, Tronto
What is the major difference between Cònero DOCG and DOC
DOCG - requires Montepulciano & Sangiovese
DOC - Only requires Montepulciano plus any approved red grape
Who are the most famous wine producers in Castelli di Jesi?
Bucci
Garofoli
Sartarelli
Colonnara
Umani Ronchi
What are the two rivers and foothills associated with Castelli di Jesi?
Misa & Esino Rivers
Central Apennines foothills
Where is the historic growing area of Castelli di Jesi?
The Esino River Valley - now classico region
Where is most classico Castelli di Jesi produced?
Almost all entirely south of Misa River where 2/3rds of the appellations.
2,000 ha under vine.
Compare the 4 categories of Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi DOC?
DOC - entry level, fruity and floral
Classico Superiore - from classico sub-zone, stricter rules (lower yield/higher ABV), Quality, Structured Fuller Body, Unoaked, Can age
Passito DOC - smallest production, Best have Noble Rot + Air Dried
Spumante DOC - Minor Category, Tank or Traditional Method
Riserva DOCG - 12.5% ABV, 18month aged, 6 in bottle
What is different about the di Jesi DOC versus DOCG?
Verdicchio name has a different placement in order to emphasize the importance of the DOCG
DOCG has the best grapes from single vineyards or superior parcels and required 18 months ageing often in oak including 6 months in bottle
How was Verdicchio traditionally vinified?
Matured in either neutral large Botti or cement tanks.
Now more stainless some oak.
DOCG - oak (either botti of small barrel)
DOC - use stainless steel tanks
How many MGAs in Casteli di Jesi DOC/DOCG
99 MGAs
Who has a longer and later growing season for Verdicchio and why - Castelli di Jesi or Matelica?
Matelica is in higher elevations with more rainfall which requires a longer growing season and later harvest
What is unique about Matelica’s climate and geography in relations to Verdicchio?
The climate is homogenous with a small number of producers which makes the wine style quite uniform.
Cooler climate with higher altitude means the wines have more acidity, citrus and minerality.
They are also more restrained and austere
What DOCG is found between the Tesino & Tronto Rivers?
Offida DOCG
What is Rosso Piceno Sangiovese?
Marche
A Varietal rosso under Rosso Peceno DOC
What is the smallest production of the Verdicchio dei Casteli di Jesi DOCs?
VdCdJ Passito
How many MGA are there in Matelica?
13 MGAs
What are the only styles allowed for Terre di Offida DOC?
Only Spumante, Passito or Vino Santo
Using >85% Passerina
What is the ancient Northern Marche specialty wine called using cherries and Vernacca di Pergola or Montepulciano?
Viscola
What are the Central Apinnines refered to in Marche?
Appennino Umbro-Marchigiano
What provinces have the largest under vine and production volumes?
Ancona and Ascoli Piceno
What Marche region only focuses on Reds?
Conero
What is the highest cliff on the Italian peninsula?
Mt Conero
What is the key difference between Rosso Conero and Conero Riserva?
Riserva requires Sangiovese (and oak ageing, restricted yields, higher ABV)
Rosso only requires any red grape
What appellation does Castelli di Jesi in the overlap in its northeast and which town is part of the 22 villaged of CdJ?
Lacrima di Morro DOC
Morro d’Alba
How much does Verdicchio Classico take up in CdJ?
Between Misa and Esino rivers
Makes up 2/3 of CdJ total area
With 2000 ha under vine which is Marche’s largest DOC?
Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi DOC
Where is Camertina Valley and what appellation is in it?
A valley between Central Apennines and sub-range to the east
Matelica
What is Terre di Offida DOC based and what styles?
Passerina
Spumante
Passito
Vin Santo
Before changing to DOCG what did Offida DOC require?
only 50% Montepulciano and required 30% CabSav (2011 was last vintage)
What is the 2nd largest DOC in Marche? What does it produce and where?
Rosso Piceno
RED ONLY
Southern Marche on coast
Highest peak in Apennines?
Mt Sibillini in March SW corner
2,000m
