Le Marche nel Cuore - Insight
Introduction
The Marche, located in central Italy, is a region rich in landscape, cultural and gastronomic diversity. We have already talked about it previously ( Wines of the Marche: Hidden Treasures of Italy ), but I think that this territory is worth savoring and discovering.
Today, for a little insight, I would like to talk to you about a couple of companies in particular. We are talking about Cantina Colli Ripani and Tenute Pieralisi. Two different companies, but with in common an innate vocation for enhancing the characteristics of their territory.
Let's start from Cantina Colli Ripani.
The Cantina dei Colli Ripani is located at approximately 500 meters above sea level, in a hilly area that extends to the Adriatic coast. Founded in 1969, the winery started its first winemaking in 1977 and today it is an important pillar in the wine production of the region, made up of over 330 local producers, united by the passion for valorising the native vines of the Marche, including Sangiovese, Montepulciano , Pecorino and Passerina.
The company is a sustainable reality in various aspects, it concretely supports the work of each member and coordinates all phases of the process: from work in the countryside to the transformation of raw materials, up to the marketing of the finished product. The innate respect for nature and its rhythms, for the origins and work of people have in fact made the Cantina dei Colli Ripani not only the custodian of wine products, but also of extra virgin olive oil, barley coffee and honey .
Here are some of the wines recommended and selected by us:
- Offida Pecorino "Condivio" :
A sublime representation of the Pecorino vine, grown in the lush hills of Offida. This wine is the result of a meticulous selection of the grapes, which, after manual harvesting, undergo delicate pressing. Fermentation takes place at a controlled temperature in stainless steel tanks to preserve the varietal aromatic characteristics, followed by a short period of maturation on the fine yeasts which enriches the overall profile of the wine. Visually, the "Condivio 508" stands out for its bright straw yellow color with golden reflections. On the nose, the bouquet is rich and complex, offering aromas of green apple, pear, white peach and floral nuances, accompanied by a delicate hint of almond. In the mouth, the wine is elegant and structured, with a vibrant acidity that balances its rich texture. The fruity notes blend with a pronounced minerality, leading to a long and pleasantly fresh finish. This Pecorino is ideal for accompanying rich fish dishes, such as Ancona-style stockfish or seafood risottos, but it also pairs beautifully with fresh goat or sheep cheeses, enhancing the variety and richness of the flavours.
- Rosso Piceno Superiore DOC "Castellano" : An expression
authentic from the Marche, born from the skilful combination of Montepulciano and Sangiovese grapes, which captures the essence of the territory with intensity and character. The vinification of "Castellano" begins with a careful selection of the grapes, which are harvested at their peak of ripeness. Fermentation takes place in stainless steel tanks at a controlled temperature to preserve the aromas and integrity of the fruit. This is followed by refinement for at least 12 months in oak barrels, which helps to tone down the tannins and integrate the flavours, giving the wine notable complexity. The wine has a deep ruby red color, with purple hues that accentuate its youth. The bouquet is rich and enveloping, characterized by notes of ripe red fruits such as cherry and plum, enriched by spicy accents of vanilla and black pepper. A light background of tobacco and leather completes the olfactory profile. In the mouth, the "Castellano" is vigorous and balanced. The tannins are well structured but soft, integrated perfectly with a freshness that invites another sip. The finish is long and persistent, with an aftertaste that returns to the tones of ripe fruit and spices. Perfect with dishes rich in meat, such as braised meats and roasts, but also excels with mature cheeses and dishes based on mushrooms and truffles.
- Spumante Ancestrale IGT Rosato Grotte di Santità 2021 - Cantina Colli Ripani :
An exemplary creation from Cantina dei Colli Ripani , inspired by the prehistoric tunnels that cross the territory of Ripatransone. Produced exclusively from Sangiovese grapes harvested manually in the first ten days of September, this organic sparkling wine without added sulphites is the result of light pressing followed by an initial fermentation in cement at a controlled temperature. The refermentation process takes place in the bottle, following the ancestral method, with aging on the yeasts for at least 16 months, which gives the wine a natural veil given by the yeasts still present. The color is a delicate powder pink, while lively notes of grapefruit emerge on the nose which evolve towards shades of blood orange. On the palate, the wine reveals a freshness that echoes the olfactory sensations, with an acidic character and minerals of good persistence. The fineness of the perlage and the creamy texture make this sparkling wine a one-of-a-kind experience.
A completely different company, but with very similar foundations is Tenute Pieralisi . The Tenute Pieralisi agricultural company has been owned by the homonymous family of winemakers from the Marche since the 1960s and was founded in 1976 with the foundation of Monte Schiavo in the heart of the classic Verdicchio Castello di Jesi production area. The company today is organically managed and can count on 103 hectares of vineyards and 48 hectares of olive groves. T he soil of alluvial origin, rich in skeleton, clay and limestone, with a discreet presence of organic substance, together with the favorable microclimate influenced by the sea, the sun and the breezes, creates the ideal conditions for the cultivation of native varieties such as Verdicchio, Montepulciano and Sangiovese.
Here are some wines that definitely deserve a sip:
- Classic Method "Elara" Verdicchio Castelli di Jesi Brut DOC :
Imagine yourself in the heart of the Marche, where the Pieralisi family has passionately cultivated vineyards and olive groves since 1960. Here the Classic Method Elara Verdicchio Castelli di Jesi Brut DOC was born, a wine that is the very essence of modernity coupled with tradition. The blend is a refined mix of Verdicchio and Chardonnay, which spends 48 months on the yeasts, a detail that reveals its complexity. To the eye, the wine presents itself with a golden color, almost like the sunset kissing the Maiolati Spontini vineyards. On the nose, it is a concert of aromas: white pulp fruit, wild flowers and a touch of bread crust. In the mouth, it's like a hug; full, round and incredibly balanced. The finish is long, with an aftertaste that recalls the minerality of the Marche terroir. For a complete gastronomic experience, pair it with fish dishes or soft cheeses. It is the ideal wine to elevate a romantic dinner or to toast a special occasion.
- Verdicchio Castelli di Jesi Classico Superiore "Ruviano" DOC :
The Verdicchio Castelli di Jesi Classico Superiore Ruviano DOC by Pieralisi is a white wine that embodies the elegance and complexity of the Verdicchio grape. Produced in the hills of the Marche region, this wine offers an olfactory bouquet of green apple, grapefruit and savory notes that blend into a dry and refreshing finish. Its structure is enriched by a distinctive minerality and a touch of salinity, which makes it ideal for pairing with fish dishes, chicken salads and light appetizers. Its production is the result of a collaboration with the well-known Italian wine consultant Carlo Ferrini, who helped give the wine a new depth and complexity. This wine offers exceptional depth and concentration for the price, making it an excellent option for a variety of occasions.
- Rosso Piceno "Re Di Ras" DOC :
This wine, often underestimated in the Italian panorama, has all the credentials to enter the list of the great Italian reds. Produced from Montepulciano and Sangiovese grapes, grown in the Maiolati Spontini vineyards, this wine is a hymn to complexity and refinement. On the nose, an abundance of fruity notes is revealed, including plum and ripe cherry, supported in the mouth by robust but fine tannins, alcohol, acidity and a concentration of aromas that envelops you in a warm and enveloping embrace. This wine is ideal for pairing with red meats, game and mature cheeses. A glass of Rosso Piceno Re Di Ras is like a journey through the hills of the Marche, an experience that leaves you breathless and eager to explore even more.
These wines offer a taste of the quality and passion that characterize the Marche wine production which shows itself with every sip as an interesting territory, suspended between traditions and the desire to innovate - rediscovering its origins and persevering the goal of a sustainability that does not it is only on paper, but rooted in the social fabric of the territory itself.
