The best white wines of Marche 

Marche has an ancient winegrowing heritage, so much so that many of the recently surveyed native varieties, both red and white, originate from Ancient Greece. Among the white wines of the Marche region, the most famous varieties are Verdicchio, Passerina and Pecorino, the latter also found in Abruzzo. Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi is produced in the provinces of Ancora and Macerata, while the “Classico” version, from the oldest production zone, cannot be produced in the area to the left of the Misa river or in the municipalities of Ostra and Senigallia. According to the production protocol, this white wine must be produced with at least 85% Verdicchio, plus a maximum of 15% from other white grape varieties. The types allowed include the “base”, spumante, Riserva, Passito, Classico, Riserva and Superiore versions, each with its own character and personality. 

Major designations 

Another interesting Marche designation is Offida DOCG (Denominazione di Origine Controllata e Garantita), which geographically falls in the southern part of the region, on the border with the provinces of Ascoli Piceno and Fermo, and which extends from the coast to the mid-high hills. This DOCG designation envisages both Passerina and Pecorino, two native varieties that in the last 10-15 years have gone from being semi-unknown, on the verge of extinction, to enjoying celebrity status. Offida Passerina is also greatly appreciated in the spumante version and is distinguished by a generous, complex, vibrant nose, echoed on the palate. While Passerina tends towards opulent, often tropical aromas, Pecorino shows more mineral, citrusy traits, which give it a well-defined character. 

Pairings to try 

With a straw yellow colour, often with green nuances, Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi is a delicately aromatic white showing a focused nose of spring flowers and almonds, perfectly echoed, especially the latter, on the palate. This wine, which can go from a minimum ABV of 12% to over 15% in the raisin version, lends itself to transversal pairings. The Spumante version goes very well with seafood dishes or as an aperitif, perhaps paired with shellfish or with traditional olive all’ascolana. In general, any sparkling wine is well suited to fried foods, because the presence of carbon dioxide cleanses the palate between mouthfuls. Verdicchio, whether Classico or Riserva, shows greater body and structure, and can be paired with more complex, richly-flavoured dishes, such as pistachio-crusted salmon or tasty stuffed calamari. 

More harmonious flavours and aromas 

The raisin version of Verdicchio always maintains good acidity, providing balance on the palate and preventing the wine from becoming cloying. This drinkability makes it possible to play with pairings, and it goes well with cheeses, not just blue varieties, and with shortcrust pastry sweets and creams. With aromas of pineapple, elderflower and lime, and a pleasantly savoury, elegant palate, Offida Passerina is a white wine that requires pairings with flavours of similar intensity, such as swordfish cooked with tomatoes, capers and anchovies, or Mediterranean-style salmon fillets. With a more mineral, dry character, Offida Pecorino lends itself well to accompanying an appetizer of shellfish or baked prawns with a citronette dressing. Now that you have a little inspiration, all you have to do is try the various combinations and discover your favourites!