Verdicchio is a crisp Italian white grape that makes wines with “considerable personality” (The World Atlas of Wine). You’ll find it in the Marche (pronounced “mar-kay”) region along the Adriatic coast. Unlike most Italian whites, it’s known for its ability to age, and the best offer a nutty, buttery complexity. Conti Leopardi, acclaimed at the 2011 International Wine & Spirit Competition, was crafted by a noble family who have made wine in the Marche since 1500.
If you’re into literature, you may have heard of the Leopardi family — their ancestor Giacomo, a 19th century poet, is as important to the Italians as Shakespeare is to the English-speaking world. Today, the family is just as proud of their reputation for excellent wines. In fact, it wasn’t hard to persuade the present-day Count Leopardi, Pierfrancesco, to grant our customers access to the family’s pride-and-joy Verdicchio.
The Leopardi’s vineyards are located more than 1,100 feet above sea level, where brilliant sunshine, the cooling influence from the Adriatic and low-yielding ancient vines produce aromatic, intensely flavored Verdicchio grapes. Thanks to its proximity to the sea, the Marche is a top spot for fresh seafood. So locally, this elegant white — with notes of citrus, minerals, almonds and fresh herbs (which will also develop a subtle nuttiness over time) — would be enjoyed with simple grilled white fish, shrimp or calamari.
See on wsjwine.com
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