Verdicchio grape variety

Verdicchio is a very old white grape variety from Italy, which is mainly grown in central Italy. The grapes produce dry to semi-dry white wines with a light yellow colour and a fresh, fruity taste. The flavours are reminiscent of green apples, pears, citrus fruits and hay meadows. Depending on the ageing process, notes of almonds, honey and minerals can also be added. Verdicchio wines often have a distinctly strong acidity and are also suitable for sparkling wines. They are ideal as an accompaniment to fish dishes, seafood, salads and light starters. Verdicchio wines have become increasingly well-known and popular in recent years and are among the top white wines in Italy.

Frequently asked questions (FAQ) about Verdicchio wine

How can the typical flavour profile of the Verdicchio grape variety be described?

Verdicchio is famous for its freshness and elegance. Typical flavours include citrus fruit, green apple and white peach. What makes it unmistakable, however, is a fine herbal note (often reminiscent of sage or thyme) and a very characteristic aftertaste of bitter almonds.

What is the structure of the Verdicchio grape variety in terms of acidity and body?

A wine made from the Verdicchio grape has a pronounced, racy acidity that gives it enormous freshness. At the same time, the variety has a high proportion of extract, which means that the wine can have an amazing amount of body, structure and an almost oily texture on the palate. It never seems thin, but always present.

Is the Verdicchio grape variety more of a light summer wine or a powerful accompaniment to food?

Verdicchio can do both! As a young wine from the stainless steel tank, it is a wonderfully sparkling aperitif. As a "Riserva" or aged in wooden barrels, however, Verdicchio develops a strength and depth that makes it one of the most serious white wines for fine dining.

Where in Italy does the Verdicchio grape variety find its ideal conditions?

Verdicchio is native to the Marche region on the Italian Adriatic coast. There are two main areas here: The better-known Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi, which is closer to the sea, and the smaller, higher Verdicchio di Matelica, which is characterised by a more continental climate.

What food pairing does a sommelier recommend for the Verdicchio grape variety?

Verdicchio is the ultimate fish wine! It goes perfectly with seafood, grilled fish or the classic Marche fish soup, brodetto. Thanks to its structure, a mature Verdicchio also harmonises fantastically with white meat (veal, poultry) or dishes with truffles and mushrooms.

How does the Verdicchio grape variety differ from a typical Pinot Grigio?

Compared to the usually rather light and neutral Pinot Grigio, Verdicchio has a much stronger character, is richer in acidity and more complex. While Pinot Grigio is often "simply refreshing", Verdicchio offers a real flavour experience with rough edges.

Is there a relationship between the Verdicchio grape variety and other grape varieties?

This is an exciting fact for connoisseurs: DNA analyses have shown that Verdicchio is identical to the Trebbiano di Lugana (also known as Turbiana) variety from Lake Garda. Nevertheless, the wines taste completely different due to the different terroir - the Verdicchio from the Marche region usually has a firmer and more mineral flavour.

What's the story behind the famous ampoule bottle of the Verdicchio grape variety?

In the 1950s, Verdicchio was often bottled in bottles shaped like an antique amphora. Today, this style has become rather rare, as most quality winemakers prefer classic mallet bottles or Burgundy bottles to signal that the contents of the Verdicchio are a serious terroir wine and not just a holiday souvenir.

Discover more grape varieties for white wines.

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Chenin Blanc

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Elbling

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Furmint

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Gewürztraminer

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Kisi

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Aglianico

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Barbera

Barbera is the most widely cultivated red grape variety in the northern Italian region of Piedmont - but is also widespread in Lombardy and Emilia-Romagna. It produces fruity, accessible red wines with an intense ruby red colour and aromas of red fruits, cherries, plums and spices. They are medium-bodied on the palate, with moderate tannins and lively acidity even when fully ripe.

Carmenère

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Gamaret

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Lagrein

Lagrein is the oldest documented grape variety in South Tyrol - first mentioned in 1318. Its name is probably derived from Vallagarina, the southern Adige Valley.

Mourvèdre/Monastrell

Mourvèdre is a red grape variety that is mainly grown in the south of France and Spain, where it is known as Monastrell. The wines are deep-coloured, medium to full-bodied, with high, often rough tannins when young and moderate to high acidity.

You can find information on other grape varieties here.