Matelica Verdicchio DOC, a food and wine tour in the Marches

A food and wine tour to discover the thriving area of Verdicchio di Matelica DOC, the fine wine produced in the Marches

Food & Wine - Central Italy - Marches

Itinerary: Camerino, Castelraimondo, Matelica, Cerreto d'Esi, Fabriano

Matelica (pic n°4) is located in The Marches region, in the province of Macerata. This small city lies in the Upper Valley of Esino river (pic n°6), which is the main river of the area. The town has a very convenient position: it is 45 kilometers from Macerata, 67 kilometers from Loreto, 71 kilometers from Assisi, 27 kilometers from Frasassi, 17 kilometers from Fabriano, plus it is just one hour away from Ancona, the capital city of the region. Therefore, Matelica is a good spot from where to start on your tour throughout The Marches and the nearby regions.

Matelica is surrounded by an unspoiled environment that attracts nature lovers. It is nestled between Monte San Vicino to the east and the Sibillini mountain range to the south, and this is the area where Verdicchio di Matelica DOC (pic n°1) is produced. This position boasts some features that create a special microclimate, perfect for the healthy growth of the vineyards such as an excellent exposure, a constant flow of air, the brightness and the warmth of the sun that happily shines on this peaceful valley. Thanks to all of these characteristics, together with the ability of the vintners combined with the most modern wine-making technologies, Verdicchio di Matelica is placed among the top Italian wines.

Verdicchio di Matelica was given the label "DOC" (an important designation of protected origin) in 1976, and it was the first wine in the Marche region awarded a label like that. This wine has a great "personality": it is fragrant, featuring fruity and floral aromas, with hints of apple and flowers such as hawthorn and broom. The taste is fresh, fruity, warm and soft, with a lingering aftertaste of bitter almonds.

Those who love exploring Italy through its food and wine tours have the opportunity to get a deeper insight of this region's typical products (pic n°5) and this amazing wine by visiting "Enoteca Comunale" (pic n°3), a beautiful wine house in the town of Matelica. It is open every day, except Monday.

Other local products: Matelica is not only about Verdicchio. It is located in a special area with a particular topography, and this has always been an ideal habitat for Marchigiana, a bovine race that is typical of this region. Talking about that, you should not miss the chance to try Ciauscolo, a local tasty sausage that is usually used as a spread on bread, or other special sausages and salami: Lardellato, Coppa, and Salsiccia di fegato (a sausage made with pork's liver).

Some pictures:

Verdicchio di Matelica DOC, vineyard (pic n°1); Matelica (pic n°2); Enoteca Comunale, Matelica (pic n°3); Matelica (pic n°4); Typical local products (pic n°5); The Upper Valley of Esino river (pic n°6)