Marches

The wine region of the Marches is located in central Italy, between the Apennine Mountains and the Adriatic Sea. The region is divided into several valleys dotted with rivers. Depending on whether you are north or south of the city of Ancona, the climate varies greatly. The north is more continental and subject to cold winds from the east, while the south is predominantly Mediterranean and can be prone to drought. About two-thirds of its territory is composed of hills, and the soils are clay-limestone, marly, sandy, and alluvial due to the extensive rivers that flow through its territory. The Marches’ vineyard covers around 16,000 hectares, ranking 13th among Italy’s wine-producing regions. White wine production accounts for approximately 54%, while red wine production accounts for 46%. In addition to Verdicchio, which is the emblematic grape of the Marches, white wines are also vinified with Albanella and Pecorino grapes. In red wines, Montepulciano, Sangiovese, Pinot Nero, and Vernaccia Nera are the most common grape varieties. Despite the small difference in production quantity between white and red wines, the region is renowned for its Verdicchio whites, which, regardless of their origin, all possess the characteristic of having an almond or bitter almond finish on the palate. Climate change and the trend towards increased warmth could eventually compel winemakers to produce more red wine than white. The Marches is primarily a region of small and medium-sized producers who are increasingly turning to organic viticulture, and many of them are stepping out of recognized appellations to create more personal wines that deserve to be discovered.