As summer comes into full swing, the desire for fresh, aromatic white wines grows stronger—perfect companions for light lunches, outdoor dinners, and seasonal dishes. One wine we’re proudly recommending this summer in Trieste is Verdicchio, a truly expressive Italian white.
A white wine with great personality
Verdicchio is a native grape variety from the Marche region, and one of the most interesting whites in Italy. Its versatility is remarkable: it can be made into still wine, sparkling wine, or more structured, age-worthy versions. But it’s in its most youthful and fresh expression—crisp, mineral, vibrant—that Verdicchio truly shines in the summer months.
In the glass, it shows a bright straw yellow color with greenish reflections (hence the name). On the nose, it reveals aromas of white flowers, green apple, fresh herbs, and sometimes a hint of bitter almond. On the palate, it is dry, fresh, sapid, with a pleasantly persistent finish.
Two faces of Verdicchio: Matelica and Castelli di Jesi
Verdicchio comes in two main appellations: Verdicchio di Matelica DOC and Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi DOC. Both are made from the same grape variety, but their characteristics differ thanks to the distinct terroirs.
• Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi DOC
This is the more widely known version, produced closer to the Adriatic coast in a broader area with a milder, maritime climate. These wines tend to be fragrant, fresh, and easy-drinking, with a delicate aromatic profile. Perfect with light dishes such as seafood salads, raw fish, seasonal vegetables, and fresh cheeses.
• Verdicchio di Matelica DOC
Produced in a smaller, more inland area at higher altitude, with a more continental climate. This gives the wines greater structure, pronounced acidity, and notable minerality. Matelica Verdicchios are more vertical, complex, and age-worthy, making them suitable for richer pairings like elaborate seafood dishes, white meats, legume soups, or even Asian cuisine.
A wine worth rediscovering
Verdicchio is a wine that deserves to be rediscovered. It’s more than just a “summer white”—it’s a versatile companion year-round. But in these hot months, we love recommending it for its freshness and its ability to enhance seasonal cuisine.
At Enoteca Hortis, we’ve selected several representative labels from both Castelli di Jesi and Matelica, from youthful, drinkable styles to more complex bottles. Come visit us and discover which Verdicchio suits your taste—or your next terrace dinner.
UMANI RONCHI
PIEVALTA
VIGNAMATO
GAGLIARDI
