Marche, Italy wine region

Welcome to the Marche wine region, home to some of the finest and most unique wines in Italy. The wines of the Marche wine region are crafted with care and passion by local winemakers who have been perfecting their craft for generations. 

The Marche region is known for its diverse soil types and microclimates, which lend our wines a complexity and character that is unmatched by other regions. Whether you’re a wine connoisseur or just starting to explore the world of wine, there’s a wine tour fit to give you the experience of a lifetime. 

From crisp white wines to rich reds, our wines are sure to delight your palate and leave a lasting impression. Treat yourself to a taste of the Marche region and book a wine tour today.

Marche wine region highlights:
  • Home to various world UNESCO heritage sites.
  • Known for both white and red wines.
  • Contains various sub-regions and appellations.

Marche wine map

The Marche wine region is located in central Italy and is known for producing a wide variety of wines. The region is characterized by its diverse soil types and microclimates, which lend the wines a complexity and character that is unmatched by other regions. 

This region is also home to local winemakers who have been perfecting their craft for generations, producing immaculate wines that tantalize the taste buds and delight the senses.

The Marche wine region is characterized by its diverse climate and landscape, which make it a prime location for winemaking. The region is situated between the Adriatic Sea and the Apennine Mountains, which creates a unique microclimate that is ideal for growing grapes. The Adriatic Sea provides a cooling influence, while the Apennine Mountains protect the region from extreme weather conditions. This combination of sea and mountain influences results in a moderate climate with warm summers and mild winters, which allows grapes to ripen slowly and evenly, resulting in wines with a good balance of acidity and fruitiness.

The landscape of the Marche region is also diverse, with rolling hills and valleys, which provide a variety of soil types and microclimates. The region is known for its limestone and clay soils, which are rich in minerals and provide the grapes with a unique terroir. The hillsides and valleys also provide optimal sun exposure for the grapes, which allows them to ripen fully and develop their flavors and aromas.

Cities to visit in Marche wine region

The Marche region in Italy is known for its stunning coastline, picturesque countryside, and excellent wines. If you’re a wine lover, here are some of the best cities to visit in Marche:

  1. Ancona – The capital city of Marche, located on the Adriatic coast and known for its white Verdicchio wine. Visit to indulge in the region’s signature crisp and refreshing white wines. The city is home to many wine shops, bars, and restaurants where you can sample the local wines and traditional dishes.
  2. Urbino – A UNESCO World Heritage Site, known for its historic university and Renaissance architecture. Come to experience the charm of an ancient hilltop town and taste the local Montepulciano wine. The town is also known for its wine production, particularly for Rosso Conero.
  3. Ascoli Piceno – A beautiful city with stunning medieval architecture and a rich culinary tradition. Don’t miss trying the Rosso Piceno, a red wine made from Sangiovese and Montepulciano grapes.
  4. Offida – A medieval town located in the southern part of the Marche region, known for its wine production, particularly for Offida Pecorino. The town is also known for its historic churches, palaces, and the beautiful views of the Apennine Mountains.
  5. Macerata – Known for its famous opera festival, the city also boasts a thriving wine scene with plenty of opportunities to sample the local Vernaccia di Serrapetrona, a unique red sparkling wine.
  6. Jesi – A charming medieval town famous for its Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi, a dry white wine with notes of lemon and almond. Come to savor the distinctive taste of this regional wine while soaking in the town’s enchanting atmosphere.
  7. Serrapetrona – A small town located in the southern part of the Marche region, known for its sparkling wine production, particularly for Vernaccia di Serrapetrona. The town is also known for its beautiful views of the Apennine Mountains and its charming medieval streets.

The Marche region is a wine lover’s paradise, offering a range of unique and delicious wines to sample while exploring its beautiful cities and towns.

Unique places to visit in the Marche wine region

The Grotte di Frasassi: This series of limestone caves is located near the town of Genga and is considered one of the most impressive cave systems in Europe. The caves are characterized by their large chambers, underground lakes, and impressive stalactites and stalagmites. Visitors can take guided tours of the caves to explore the different chambers and learn about the geology and history of the area. Some of the most famous chambers of the cave are: The Ancona Hall, The Abyss, The Great Cathedral, The lake, The White Grotto and The Blue Grotto.

The Conero Regional Park: This natural reserve covers an area of 5,200 hectares and is located on the promontory of Conero, which juts out into the Adriatic Sea. The park is home to a wide variety of plant and animal species, including Mediterranean maquis, olive groves, and pine forests. Visitors can enjoy hiking and walking on the many trails, as well as swimming and sunbathing on the beautiful beaches. Some of the most famous beaches of the park are: Spiaggia di Portonovo, Spiaggia di Sirolo, and Spiaggia di Mezzavalle.

The Basilica of Loreto: This major Catholic pilgrimage site is located in the town of Loreto and is known for housing the Holy House of Loreto, a small stone cottage that is said to have been the home of the Virgin Mary. The basilica is a large and ornate building, with a mix of different architectural styles. It’s also known for the many votive offerings, left by the faithful to the Virgin Mary, and for the many chapels that surround the Holy House. The basilica is a major destination for pilgrims and visitors from around the world.

The Castello di Gradara: This castle is located in the town of Gradara and dates back to the 12th century. The castle is known for its well-preserved medieval architecture, including the defensive walls, towers, and battlements. The castle also features a museum that showcases the history of the castle and the town of Gradara. The castle is associated with the tragic love story of Paolo and Francesca, as recounted by Dante in the Inferno, and is a popular destination for literature and history enthusiasts.

The Museo dell’Opificio delle Pietre Dure: This museum is located in the town of Gualdo and is dedicated to the art of inlaying semiprecious stones in decorative objects. The museum showcases the work of local craftsmen and offers workshops and classes for visitors. The museum is also host to a collection of works from the past centuries, some of them of great value and importance, like the one of the famous “Cassettone” an inlaid chest.

The Parco Nazionale del Sasso Simone e Simoncello: This national park covers an area of more than 14,000 hectares and is located in the central Apennines. The park offers a variety of outdoor activities, including hiking, rock climbing, and bird watching. The park is home to a wide variety of plant and animal species, including wild boars, deer, and wolves. The park also offers several hiking trails, and is a popular destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.

Best travel guides for Marche wine region

Popular wines of Marche

Verdicchio: A white wine made from the Verdicchio grape variety. It is known for its crisp acidity and minerality, and can range in style from light and floral to more full-bodied and complex.

Rosso Conero: A red wine made from the Montepulciano grape variety. It is notable for its rich, dark fruit flavors and moderate tannins.

Lacrima di Morro d’Alba: Made from the Lacrima grape variety, this red wine is charachterized by its deep ruby color and intense, complex flavors of black cherry, plum, and spice.

Rosso Piceno: A red wine made from a blend of Montepulciano and Sangiovese grape varieties. It is known for its medium body and bright, fruity flavors.

Colli Maceratesi: Made from a blend of Sangiovese and other grape varieties this red is notable for its complexity and balance between fruit, acidity, and tannins.

Pecorino: A white wine made from the Pecorino grape variety. It is known for its crisp acidity and minerality, and can range in style from light and floral to more full-bodied and complex.

Offida Pecorino DOCG: A white wine made from the Pecorino grape variety that is only produced in the Offida area. It is characterized by its minerality and complexity, with aromas and flavors of citrus, peach, and almond.

Rosso Piceno Superiore DOCG: A red wine produced from a blend of Montepulciano and Sangiovese grape varieties that is only made in the Piceno area. It is known for its aging potential and rich, complex flavors of dark fruit and spice.

Vernaccia di Serrapetrona DOCG: A sparkling wine produced from the Vernaccia grape variety that is exclusively made in the Serrapetrona area. It is notable for its delicate bubbles and flavors of apple and pear.

Rosso Conero Riserva DOCG: A red wine artfully crafted from the Montepulciano grape variety that is only produced in the Conero area. It is notable for its aging potential and intense, complex flavors of dark fruit, spice, and leather.

Vernaccia di Matelica DOCG: A white wine made from the Vernaccia grape variety that is only produced in the Matelica area. It is known for its minerality and complexity, with aromas and flavors of citrus, peach, and almond.

Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi Classico Riserva DOCG: A white wine made from the Verdicchio grape variety that is only produced in the Jesi area. It is known for its aging potential and rich, complex flavors of apple, pear, and hazelnut.

About Marche Wines: Types & Characteristics

Overall, Marche wines are known for their complexity, balance, and character, which are the result of the combination of the region’s terroir, climate, and winemakers’ tradition and expertise. They offer a wide variety of flavors and taste that can please different palates and pair well with different dishes.

The most notable characteristics of Marche wines include:

  • Crisp acidity, minerality, and distinctive nutty notes (especially when aged in oak barrels)
  • Rich, complex flavors and aromas with notes of citrus and tropical fruits 
  • Rich, full-bodied flavors, and complimentary tannins with a long finish 
  • Notes of spices, leather, tobacco, plumbs, and cherries 
  • Balance and character

Appellations of the Marche wine region

The Marche wine region of Italy produces a wide variety of wines, from crisp whites to full-bodied reds. Here are some of the most popular appellations in the Marche wine region:

  • Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi: This is one of the most famous white wines from Marche, made primarily from Verdicchio grapes. It has notes of green apple, lemon, and almond.
  • Conero: This appellation produces red wines made primarily from Montepulciano grapes. These wines are known for being full-bodied with flavors of dark fruit and spice.
  • Rosso Piceno: This appellation produces red wines made from a blend of Montepulciano and Sangiovese grapes. These wines are typically medium-bodied with flavors of cherry and plum.
  • Lacrima di Morro d’Alba: This is a unique red wine made from Lacrima grapes that are only grown in this area. It has intense aromas of roses and strawberries.
  • Offida: This appellation produces both white and red wines made from various grape varieties, including Pecorino (white) and Montepulciano (red).

Marche Wine Taste Notes & Flavors

The Marche wine region of Italy produces a wide variety of wines, each with its own unique flavor profile. In general, the wines produced in Marche tend to be food-friendly with good acidity and a balance between fruitiness and earthiness. They pair well with a variety of Italian dishes such as pasta with tomato sauce, roasted meats, or seafood risotto. Here are some general characteristics of the wines produced in this region:

  • White wines: The most famous white wine from Marche is Verdicchio, which is known for its crisp acidity and notes of green apple, lemon, and almond. Other white wines from the region may have flavors of citrus, tropical fruit, and herbs.
  • Red wines: The red wines from Marche can vary widely depending on the grape variety and winemaking techniques used. Wines made primarily from Montepulciano grapes (such as those from the Conero appellation) tend to be full-bodied with flavors of dark fruit and spice. Wines made from Sangiovese grapes (such as those from Rosso Piceno) are typically medium-bodied with flavors of cherry and plum. Other red wines from the region may have notes of blackberry, tobacco, or leather.

Grape Varieties of Marche wines

The Marche region of Italy is known for several grape varieties that lend their wines their distinctive style, including:

 

Verdicchio: A white grape variety that is the most widely planted in the region. It is known for its crisp acidity and minerality, and is used to make wines that range in style from light and floral to more full-bodied and complex.

 

Montepulciano: A red grape variety that is widely planted in the region. It is known for its rich, dark fruit flavors and moderate tannins, and is used to make wines like Rosso Conero and Rosso Piceno.

 

Sangiovese: A red grape variety that is also widely planted in the region. It is known for its medium body and bright, fruity flavors, and is used in blends like Rosso Piceno and Colli Maceratesi.

 

Lacrima: A red grape variety that is grown in small quantities in the region, it is known for its deep ruby color and intense, complex flavors of black cherry, plum, and spice.

 

Pecorino: A white grape variety that is grown in the region and is known for its crisp acidity and minerality, and is used to make wines that range in style from light and floral to more full-bodied and complex.

 

Vernaccia: A white grape variety that is also grown in small quantities in the region, it is used to produce Vernaccia di Serrapetrona DOCG, a sparkling wine, and Vernaccia di Matelica DOCG, a dry white wine.

 

Passerina: A white grape variety that is known for its fresh and floral aromas, and its high acidity. It is used to make wines that are crisp and refreshing.

 

Trebbiano: A white grape variety that is known for its neutral character and high acidity. It is often used in blends and for the production of sparkling wines.

 

Pinot Nero: A red grape variety that is known for its delicate and elegant character. It is grown in small quantities in the Marche region, and it is used to make a variety of red wines with a distinctive style.

 

Moscato Bianco: A white grape variety noteworthy for its sweet and floral aromas. It is grown in small quantity in the Marche region, and it is used to produce sweet wines and sparkling wines.

 

Spumante: A sparkling wine made from a blend of grape varieties such as Trebbiano and Pinot Noir. It is produced in the Marche region and is characterized by its delicate bubbles and fruity aromas.

Roscetto: A red grape variety that is grown in small quantities in the Marche region, it is used to produce a variety of red wines with a distinctive style, known for its rich, dark fruit flavors and moderate tannins.

Frequently Asked Questions About Marche wine region

  • What is the climate like in the Marche wine region?

    The Marche region has a Mediterranean climate, with warm summers and mild winters. The Adriatic Sea provides a cooling influence on the vineyards in the region.
  • How large is the Marche wine region?

    The Marche wine region covers an area of about 10,000 hectares.
  • What is the history of wine production in the Marche region?

    Wine production in the Marche region dates back to ancient Roman times. The region has a long history of wine production and is known for producing high-quality wines.
  • What are some of the most famous wineries in the Marche region?

    Some of the most famous wineries in the Marche region include Umani Ronchi, Cantina Fontezoppa, and Fazi Battaglia.
  • Are there any DOC or DOCG wines produced in the Marche region?

    Yes, there are several DOC and DOCG wines produced in the Marche region, including Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi DOC and Rosso Conero DOCG.
  • What are some of the traditional food pairings with wines from the Marche region?

    Wines from the Marche region are often paired with traditional local dishes such as fish from the Adriatic Sea, truffles, and cured meats.
  • What is the best time of year to visit the Marche wine region?

    The best time to visit the Marche wine region is during the fall, when the grape harvest is taking place. This is a great opportunity to taste the new wines and experience the traditional wine-making process.
  • Are there any wine trails or itineraries to follow in the Marche wine region?

    Yes, there are several wine trails and itineraries to follow in the Marche wine region, including the Strada dei Vini e dei Sapori del Conero, the Strada del Verdicchio, and the Strada del Rosso Conero.
  • Are there any wine festivals or events in the Marche wine region?

    Yes, there are several wine festivals and events in the Marche wine region, including the Sagra del Verdicchio, the Fiera del Rosso Conero, and the Fiera del Vino di Offagna.

Other top wineries to visit in the Marche wine region