Region: Marche
History: Established as a DOC in 1969
Vineyard Area: 204 ha / 504 acres (2013, V)
Production: 10,670 hl (total 2013/14, V); avg. 122,500 cases bottled annually
Principal White Grape Varieties: Biancame
Styles and Wine Composition:
WHITE WINES
- Bianco (Wh): Minimum 95% Biancame (locally Bianchello); maximum 5% Malvasia
- Superiore (Bianco)
SPARKLING WINES
- Spumante (WhSp): Minimum 95% Biancame; maximum 5% Malvasia
DESSERT AND SPECIALTY WINES
- Passito (WhSw): Minimum 95% Biancame; maximum 5% Malvasia
Significant Production Rules:
- After harvest, grapes for Passito must be dried to achieve a minimum potential alcohol level of 21.0% and can be pressed only between November 1, V, and March 31, V+1
- Minimum alcohol level: 11.5% for Bianco and Spumante; 12.0% for Passito (15.0% potential); 12.5% for Superiore
- Residual sugar: Spumante may be brut or extra dry
- Aging: For Passito, minimum approx. 1 year (ERD = December 1, V+1)
