Wijnproeverijen

Fontelini
May 6
4 min read

Italians are – and rightly so – proud of their wine. And let’s be honest: is there any better way to enjoy the Italian sun and sweeping views than with a glass of wine in hand?

When you’re on holiday in the wine region of Le Marche, any wine enthusiast will want to visit the best local wineries. Le Marche boasts some real gems when it comes to Italian wines, and we’d love to help you discover them.

The winemakers are happy to welcome you. They offer guided tours through their vineyards and cellars, let you sample a wide variety of their wines accompanied by local bites, and sell bottles at reasonable prices. That way, you can take home a taste of your favourite Italian wine – the one you enjoyed during a relaxed dinner or a winery visit while on holiday. Most wineries ask that you book in advance, either by phone, email, or directly via their website by requesting a degustazione (tasting).

We’re already giving you a head start with information about the six most common grape varieties found in the Le Marche region.

Grape Varieties

Le Marche, nestled between the Adriatic Sea and the Apennine Mountains, is known for its lush landscapes and fertile valleys. With numerous rivers flowing through the region, it offers ideal conditions for viticulture. The sea breeze creates a pleasant climate, further boosting Le Marche’s growing reputation as a prime wine destination.

The region is home to a variety of grapes, including the well-known Verdicchio, as well as Passerina, Pecorino, Lacrima, Montepulciano, and Sangiovese. Curious about their unique characteristics and which wines to try? We’ve listed them for you!

Verdicchio – The Pride of Le Marche

The Verdicchio grape has been the iconic grape of Le Marche for centuries and forms the basis of the region’s most famous wines. It’s cultivated in two main DOC zones.

The first, Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi, lies in the hills northeast of Ancona. Wines labeled “Classico” come from the historical production area around Jesi.

The second zone is near Matelica, where mineral-rich soils and a cooler climate result in wines with intense character. Wine styles here range from light and fresh to complex and powerful.

Lighter, more neutral Verdicchio wines are best enjoyed young, while Superiore and Riserva versions—with higher alcohol content—can mature in the bottle for 5 to 10 years.

Want to learn more about Verdicchio wines? A visit to Cupramontana—known as the “capital of Verdicchio”—is a must. This charming village is famous for its wineries, tastings, and annual grape festival. The winding roads of Cupramontana take you past vast vineyards and reward you with breathtaking views. A perfect destination for lovers of wine, nature, and adventure.

Fun fact: Cupra is an ancient Italian goddess associated with fertility, love, and protection.

Pecorino – The ‘Sheep Grape’

The regions of Le Marche and Abruzzo are currently the main growing areas for the Pecorino grape. Its name refers to the many shepherds who once roamed these valleys. As they guided their flocks in search of grass, they snacked on the wild grapes along the way. Originally called Uva delle Pecore—grape of the sheep—the name eventually evolved into Pecorino. You might say it’s the “little sheep grape.”

Pecorino wines age well and only get better with time.

Montepulciano – The Rustic Grape

The Montepulciano grape has a robust, rustic character. It produces dark, bold fruit with plenty of structure and tannins, yet often results in wines that are full, smooth, and juicy. As the grape ripens late and needs a long growing season, it’s rarely cultivated further north.

Wines made from Montepulciano range from fresh and fruity to powerful Riserva types that age beautifully. The lighter versions can be kept for up to 5 years, while the stronger styles age well for up to 12 years.

Sangiovese – The Chameleon Grape

Sangiovese is a true chameleon, showing up in many styles. It can produce both dry and sweet wines. Though often linked to Tuscany, DNA research has shown it also partly originates from southern Italy.

It’s easy to notice when Sangiovese is not bottled pure: blending with even a small percentage of other varieties gives it a more ‘international’ character. However, Sangiovese wines evolve impressively over time, significantly altering their personality as they age.

The best Sangiovese wines can age for up to 20 years or more.

Lacrima – The ‘Tear Grape’, Almost Exclusive to Le Marche

Lacrima is a rare and relatively unknown red grape variety native to Le Marche. The name Lacrima means “tear” in Italian. Its thin skin allows juice to seep out, forming tear-like drops.

As Lacrima contains little tannin, it’s best enjoyed young to fully appreciate its freshness.

Passerina – A Grape Born on the Adriatic Coast

Passerina thrives in Le Marche, especially in the wine-growing region around Offida. It’s a resilient grape, resistant to harsh weather and diseases, making it reliable and high-yielding.

Passerina wines aren’t particularly complex, but they’re perfect for casual sipping or pairing with light dishes.