Region: Marche
History: Established as a DOC in 1967; Riserva became the Verdicchio di Matelica Riserva DOCG in 2010
Vineyard Area: 245 ha / 605 acres (2013, V)
Production: 16,650 hl (total 2013/14, V); avg. 161,300 cases bottled annually
Principal White Grape Varieties: Verdicchio
Styles and Wine Composition:
WHITE WINES
- Bianco (Wh): Minimum 85% Verdicchio + OAWG
SPARKLING WINES
- Spumante (WhSp): Minimum 85% Verdicchio + OAWG
DESSERT AND SPECIALTY WINES
- Passito (WhSw): Minimum 85% Verdicchio + OAWG
Subzones:
- 13 menzioni geografiche aggiuntive (“additional geographical definitions”) and 3 communes (see list below)
Significant Production Rules:
- For Passito, grapes must be dried on or off the vine to achieve a minimum potential alcohol level of 15.0% and a minimum sugar level of 230 g/l (23.0%) and can be pressed only between October 15, V, and March 30, V+1
- Minimum alcohol level: 11.5% for Bianco and Spumante; 12.0% for Passito (15.0% potential)
- Residual sugar: Spumante can range from extra brut to dry
- Aging: For Passito, minimum 8–13 months (ERD = December 1, V+1)
