Castelli di Jesi Verdicchio Riserva DOCG Wine Guide: Marche’s Timeless White Jewel

What is Castelli di Jesi Verdicchio Riserva DOCG?

Castelli di Jesi Verdicchio Riserva DOCG is one of Italy’s most prestigious white wines, a complex and age-worthy expression of Verdicchio from the rolling hills of Marche. While many Italian whites are crafted for immediate enjoyment, Verdicchio Riserva is built to evolve—showing remarkable freshness, structure, and aromatic depth even after decades in bottle. Recognized with DOCG status in 2010, it represents the pinnacle of Verdicchio winemaking.

History and Origins

Verdicchio’s story stretches back at least to the 14th century, when records mention its cultivation around Jesi. The grape’s name derives from “verde” (green), alluding to the grape’s pale green hue and vibrant acidity.

Castelli di Jesi refers to the “castles of Jesi”—a cluster of medieval fortresses that once defended this fertile area. For centuries, local farmers grew Verdicchio on limestone soils, producing wines that fueled both local trade and noble courts. In the modern era, producers elevated Verdicchio from a rustic local favorite to a wine celebrated globally for its elegance, longevity, and distinctive almond finish.

Where It’s Made: Geography & Terroir

The Castelli di Jesi production zone lies in Marche, on Italy’s Adriatic coast. Vineyards stretch inland from the Esino River Valley toward the Apennines, with altitudes ranging from 100–500 meters.

• Climate: Mediterranean influences bring warm days, while mountain breezes preserve freshness.
  
• Soils: Predominantly clay-limestone with pockets of sand and marl, ideal for structuring whites with minerality.
  
• Exposures: Hillside vineyards maximize sun while avoiding excessive heat, supporting slow, balanced ripening.
  

This interplay of sea, mountains, and soil creates Verdicchio wines with both generous body and razor-sharp acidity—an unusual combination in Italian whites.

The Grape: Verdicchio

Verdicchio is considered one of Italy’s noble white grapes. Known for its high acidity and subtle green-hued grapes, it expresses flavors of citrus, white flowers, wild herbs, and the hallmark bitter-almond note.

What sets Verdicchio apart is its aging potential—rare for Italian white wines. When aged, it develops honeyed, nutty, and petrol-like complexity, drawing comparisons to fine Riesling or Chenin Blanc.

Winemaking & DOCG Regulations

• DOCG status granted: 2010
  
• Grape requirement: Minimum 85% Verdicchio (most producers use 100%)
  
• Aging requirement: Minimum 18 months, with at least 6 months in bottle before release
  
• Alcohol: Minimum 12.5%
  

This extended maturation distinguishes Riserva from standard Castelli di Jesi Verdicchio DOC wines, ensuring depth and structure. Some producers use oak (large botti or neutral barriques), while others rely on stainless steel to preserve purity.

Key Facts at a Glance

• Region: Marche, Italy
  
• DOCG Since: 2010
  
• Primary Grape: Verdicchio
  
• Aging: 18+ months (6 months in bottle)
  
• Style: Dry, structured, age-worthy white wine
  
• Notable Feature: Almond finish and exceptional aging potential
  

Tasting Notes

A typical Castelli di Jesi Verdicchio Riserva DOCG shows:

• Color: Brilliant straw yellow, often deepening with age
  
• Aromas: Citrus zest, green apple, chamomile, fennel, stone fruits, almond
  
• Palate: Crisp acidity balanced by medium-full body, with a saline, mineral backbone
  
• Finish: Long, slightly bitter almond note—Verdicchio’s signature
  

With age, expect honeyed notes, dried fruits, toasted nuts, and petrol-like nuances.

Serving & Pairing

Serving Temperature: 10–12°C (50–54°F). Decant older vintages.

Pairings:

1. Seafood classics: Brodetto di pesce (fish stew), grilled Adriatic shrimp
   
2. Cheese: Pecorino from Marche, aged goat cheeses
   
3. Pasta: Vincisgrassi (Marche’s lasagna), seafood linguine
   
4. Meats: Roasted rabbit with fennel, pork with herbs
   
5. Seasonal twist: Perfect with spring asparagus risotto or autumn white truffles
   

Best Castelli di Jesi Verdicchio Riserva Producers

If you’re exploring Verdicchio Riserva, these producers are benchmarks:

1. Umani Ronchi – Known for “Vecchie Vigne” Riserva
   
2. Garlo della Sala (Fazi Battaglia) – Iconic Verdicchio producer
   
3. Bucci – Historic estate, considered a gold standard for age-worthy Verdicchio
   
4. Monte Schiavo – Balanced and elegant expressions
   
5. Casalfarneto – Innovative winemaking with single-vineyard bottlings
   

Castelli di Jesi vs. Other Italian White Wines

• Compared to Soave (Veneto): Verdicchio is more structured and age-worthy.
  
• Compared to Vermentino (Liguria/Sardinia): Less aromatic, more mineral-driven.
  
• Compared to Fiano di Avellino (Campania): Shares aging ability but offers more herbal tones.
  

How to Store and Age Verdicchio Riserva

• Storage: Cool, dark cellar at ~12°C (54°F)
  
• Short-term: Enjoy within 5–7 years for freshness
  
• Long-term: Top vintages age 15–20+ years, developing tertiary complexity
  

Vintage Guide (Recent Highlights)

• 2019 & 2020: Balanced, fresh vintages with excellent structure
  
• 2018: Richer, rounder wines; drink sooner
  
• 2015: Superb for long aging; wines now showing depth
  
• 2010 (DOCG launch): Historic vintage, bottles still vibrant today
  

Where to Buy & Pricing

• Pricing Range: $18–45 for most bottles; top Riservas $60–80+
  
• Retailers:
  
  • Wine.com
    
  • Eataly Vino
    
  • Vivino marketplace
    

FAQ on Castelli di Jesi Verdicchio Riserva DOCG

• Is Verdicchio Riserva sweet or dry?
  Always dry, with crisp acidity.
• How long can Verdicchio Riserva age?
  Up to 20 years for the best producers.
• What’s the difference between Verdicchio DOC and DOCG?
  DOCG Riserva requires longer aging and stricter quality controls, producing deeper, more complex wines.

Fun Facts & Cultural Notes

• Verdicchio bottles are often sold in amphora-shaped glass, a nod to Marche’s heritage.
  
• Locals say Verdicchio is “the red wine lover’s white” because of its structure.
  
• Castelli di Jesi is also a travel destination—pair your wine exploration with visits to medieval castles, rolling vineyards, and Adriatic beaches.

 Ready to taste Verdicchio like a local? Explore our [Marche Wine Region Guide] and join our newsletter for insider tasting notes, pairing tips, and producer spotlights. Share your Verdicchio moments with #DrinkItalian on Instagram—we might feature you!

Have fun to learn more about Italian Wines and Spirits! Explore also the non-alcoholic beverages 
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If you are in the mood for a good book, you can try:
– The Modern History of Italian Wine by Walter Filipputti
– Hidden Gems of Italy: An Insider’s Secret Formula To Find Top-Class Italian Wines At Value Prices And Taste La Dolce Vita by Tony Margiotta  

Additionally, you can discover the other wines from Marche.