Verdicchio

Verdicchio is an Italian white grape grown almost exclusively in Central Italy, in the Marche region, where it is thought that the grape developed.

Verdicchio is a rapid growing and highly acidic grape grown best in well drained soils of sand and limestone. The name Verdicchio was given to the grape due to its slight green/yellow hue - and is a derivative of the word "verde" which means green in Italian.

Its high quality white wines are produced around the area of Castelli di Jesi and Matelica and are noted for their high acidity and a characteristic nutty flavour.

It is medium bodied with surprisingly strong flavors, a crisp acid balance and a slightly bitter finish. Best consumed within the first two years from the vintage date, most bottlings of Verdicchio allow up to 15 percent of other grapes to be blended in such as Trebbiano and Malvasia. Verdicchio grapes can also be used to make sparkling wine.