Description

Made simply to preserve the fresh, light and lithe characters of Verdicchio, a glass or two of Villa Bianchi in the sun with some mozzarella or provolone is a wonderful thing. Simple, lemon, dough and floral with a hint of almonds. This is crisp, refreshing and very very drinkable.

The Bernetti family of Umani Ronchi hold over 200 hectares of prime vineyards, 110 in Verdicchio Classico, 60 in Rosso Conero and 30 in the prestigious ‘Colline Teramane’ in Abruzzo, the region’s first DOCG appellation. The Verdicchio grape was established here in the 14th century, and in the hills surrounding Jesi, enjoys long hours of sunshine, cool nights and sea breezes from the Adriatic.

Verdicchio

Probably related to Trebbiano, its classic lemons and almonds with lovely acidity make this a refreshing summery wine.

Marche

Not a region that gets much attention outside of Italy (or indeed its own borders). Verdicchio makes is the most famous of the 13 DOC regions.

Central Italy

When most people think of Central Italy they think of Tuscany. Not surprisingly because Chianti is an ocean of vineyards within the winegrowing region of Central Tuscany. Chianti produces more than 750000 hectolitres of wine each year. Tuscany’s wine history starts somewhere in the 8^th-5^th Century BCE when it was part of Etruria. Vernaccia from San Gimignano and reds from Montepulciano were known and loved before the Renaissance. The Tuscany we know now started in 19^th Century with Chianti gaining the ascendancy. Brunello di Montalcino debuted in 1888 and the Super Tuscans took shape in the 1960s, 70s and 80s.

Beyond Tuscany there are the magically places of Emilia Romagna, Marche, Abruzzo and Umbria. Each place has its own history and personality that really deserve a night of their own. Better still, a few nights in situ.