Verdicchio

Verdicchio [vehr-DEEK-kyoh]

Verdicchio is a variety of white grape grown in the Marche region of Italy. The name is a derivative of the word "verde" which means green due to its slight green/yellow hue. Verdicchio grapes make a crisp dry white wine with notes of citrus, herbs and wild flowers. Adequate acidity makes verdiccio wine food friendly. Suggested pairings include: light fish, seafood pasta & rice dishes.

The best known of the Verdicchio wines come from the DOC of verdicchio dei castelli de jesi which can include small amounts of trebbiano and malvasia. Part of the notability of these wines comes from the unusual green, amphora (two-handled urn)-shaped bottle in which it comes. The wines from the DOC of verdicchio dei matelica are not as well known as those from Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi but are thought by many to be as good or better because they're more full-bodied and have better aging potential. The high acid levels of the Verdicchio grape makes it a good candidate for sparkling wines and the spumante made from this variety receives good reviews. Verdicchio is also known as Marchigiano and Verdone.