A Sampling Of Wines From The Little Known Marche Region Of Italy

Road from Fano to Mondavio, Marche, Italy

Of 20 administrative regions within Italy, Marche (pronounced MAR-kay) is in the central eastern portion of the country between Emilia-Romagna and Abruzzo. It has 1.5 million residents living within a region slightly smaller than the size of Rhode Island in the U.S., or about half the size of the country of Slovenia. This land of Apennine peaks and Adriatic coastline produces white wines made from local Verdicchio and Bianchello grapes, red wines from Montepulciano, Sangiovese, Vernaccia and Lacrima grapes and blends made from indigenous and international varieties—including Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Pinot Noir.

Azienda Agraria Guerrieri. Guerriero del Mare. Marche Bianco IGT. 2022. 93 points.

The name of the winery means ‘warrior,’ and this wine name means ‘warrior of the sea.’ It is made 100% from a unique clone of the Bianchello grape and includes aromas of marshmallows, grapefruit and limes. A sweet and sour and sparky green juice that is unique and lovely—think Tokaji meets Sauvignon Blanc.

Azienda Agraria Guerrieri. Guerriero della Terra. Marche Rosso IGT. 2021. 94 points.

A 95/5 blend of Montepulciano/Sangiovese. Sweet approachable aromas of Hawaiian Punch and wild strawberries. A lively mid palate with kicking tannins and tugging acidity. Dark plums, raspberries, blackberries. An exciting mash of energies in this unique and feisty warrior from Marche. The label included the Latin dictum: nullus locus sine genio est–There is no place without genius.

Tenuta di Tavignano. Libenter. 2020. Marche Rosso IGT. 94 points.

A 90/10 blend of Montepulciano/Cabernet Sauvignon-Merlot. Rich red fruit aromas and excellent acidity with mid palate flavors of morels and dark plums. Wonderfully drinkable now. Pair with a dish with varied flavors such as minestrone soup.

Urbani Beach, Sirolo, Ancona, Marche, Italy

Cantina Sparapani Frati Bianchi. Donna Cloe. DOCG. 2021. 94 points.

Named after the oldest daughter of the current producers, this wine is made 100% from Verdecchio grapes and aged in 1,000 liter Slavonian oak for 15 months. Slight caramel aromas, together with lime and grapefruit and flint. Beautifully well integrated acidity with tropical flavors. Recommend pairing with linguini marinara. 2,500 bottles produced.

Cantina Sparapani Frati Bianchi. Salerna. DOC. 2022. 92 points.

Salerna is the name of the first plot of grapes grown by the owners. This 100% Verdecchio includes aromas of lime, lemons and honey. Somewhat astringent, yet also resonating with freshness. Balanced, easy drinking with slight tropicals mid palate. Great value at about €10.00/bottle.

Crespaia. Bianchello del Metauro. DOCG. 2023. 92 points.

This family-owned winery near the coast in northern Marche well utilizes Bianchello grapes—which are highly specific to the locale and named after a river. Legend tells how Roman soldiers defeated troops in Carthage in northern Africa after local soldiers drank too much wine made from this grape the night before battle. Sparky aromas of grapefruit and lime. Easy drinking because it is fresh and light. Reminiscent of a Vermentino in terms of slight herbaceous aromas and acidity.

Crespaia. Chiaraluce. Bianchello del Metauro Superiore. DOC. 2022. 94 points.

Made from the Bianchello grape, this wine type is named Bianchello del Metauro, and ‘crespaia’ refers to the crest of the wave. This 13.5% alcohol wine spends six months on lees in stainless steel. Inexpensive and fresh. A rich and honeyed wine with firm structure.

Rural landscape on Marche, Italy

Cantina Sesi. Nec Vi Nec Ventis. Offida Rosso. DOCG. 2019. 92 points.

From Latin meaning ‘Neither by force nor by winds,’ this is strong wine, at 16.5% alcohol, made organically from hand-harvested Montepulciano grapes and aged in large tonneaux barrels before additional bottle aging. Non-filtered. The maker thinks this is a ‘meditation wine’ to drink by a fireplace, and you have to respect their boldness in producing such a strong elixir. Fresh aromas, noticeably alcoholic, of rum and black licorice. In the mouth—syrupy, with flavors that include nuts and blackberries.