Collestefano Verdicchio di Matelica '24

The Marchionni family purchased the Collestefano vineyard, in the Marche region, in the late 1970s, and owners Benedetto and Anna, along with their son Fabio, are still at the head of the winery, producing refreshing, crisp wines from native Italian varieties. Fabio is the head winemaker, and in 1998 he produced his first Verdicchio di Matelica Collestefano, which has become the estate’s signature wine. The Marchionnis practice organic viticulture and attained organic certification in 1995, well before it became popular throughout Italy, growing their vines within a polycultural system.

The care that is taken in the vineyards applies in the cellar as well: all grapes are hand-harvested, traditional methods are used to make the wines, and the use of sulfur is strictly mimimized. Located near Castelraimondo, close to the border of Umbria, Collestefano has a temperate climate created partly by its proximity to the sea, and its 450-meter (about 1,500-foot) altitude helps produce grapes of exceptional quality and concentration.
 
The fruit for this Verdicchi is from vines that are 10 to 40 years old, from Matelica clones chosen through massal selection. The vines grow in soils that are a mixture of sand, loam, and clay, and rich in limestone. The grapes are harvested by hand, then undergo a soft pressing and slow fermentation at low temperature. The wine rests on the lees for four months in stainless steel.
 
The 2024 Collestefano Verdicchio is citrusy and herbal, with almond and stone fruit on the nose and palate. It is lively, bright and crisp, making it easy to drink yet with more body than might be expected. The Collestefano Verdicchio easily ranks among Italy’s finest examples of the variety and is a great alternative to Pinot Grigio. Pair it with any kind of grilled fish or savory dishes featuring fresh herbs and earthy ingredients or spices.