Wines from Le Marche
Wines
Just as Le Marche is becoming increasingly popular as a holiday destination for Northern Europeans, its wines are also gaining recognition. In Italy, Le Marche has long been known for its distinctive and characterful wines – and that reputation is now slowly crossing borders.
Until recently, Vini Marchigiani seemed to be reserved mainly for locals and Italian holidaymakers. But now, more and more wines from Le Marche are appearing in wine shops in the Netherlands and Belgium. A great development, in our view – this region deserves to be appreciated far beyond Italy for its quality wines.
Le Marche is best known for its fresh, aromatic white wines, but there are also several high-quality reds worth discovering. Key grape varieties include Verdicchio, Trebbiano, Montepulciano, and Sangiovese. In addition, the region is home to rare and distinctive native varieties such as Lacrima di Morro d’Alba, Offida Pecorino, and Passerina – each with its own story and flavour profile.
Fortunately, more and more Northern European holidaymakers are discovering the delightful wines of Le Marche. Photo: Viva la Casa.
Le Marche is best known for its white wines, but the region also produces some excellent red wines. Photo: Viva la Casa.
In the rolling hills of the Province of Ancona, one of the region’s most important grapes is grown: Verdicchio. Photo: Viva la Casa.
Plenty of choice in Le Marche: from Verdicchio and Lacrima di Morro d’Alba to Rosso Conero, Falerio, Offida Pecorino, Passerina, and Rosso Piceno. Photo: Viva la Casa.
Wines from Northern Le Marche
Northern Le Marche is home to some of the region’s most distinctive wines – with the Verdicchio standing out as its signature white. Grown in the hills around Ancona, this crisp wine gets its elegant mineral character from the local mix of clay, limestone, and marl. The iconic amphora-shaped bottle is a familiar sight, even in supermarkets in other countries.
The most well-known variety is the Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi, but for something slightly sharper, try the Verdicchio di Matelica DOCG. Produced at 400 metres above sea level in the Apennine foothills between Ancona and Macerata, it’s a more intense version with a bold edge. Both wines are also available as sparkling spumante – a lovely alternative to prosecco. And there’s more to explore beyond Verdicchio.
One hidden gem is Lacrima di Morro d’Alba, a unique red wine made from the rare Lacrima grape. Grown only in the small area around Morro d’Alba, this wine is known for its soft, spicy, slightly sweet notes. Production nearly vanished a decade ago, but small wineries have brought it back – and it’s well worth visiting a local cantina to experience it for yourself.
Another highlight is the Rosso Conero, made from the Montepulciano grape in the hills around Monte Conero, near the Adriatic coast. This variety thrives in the dry, chalky soils of the area. Often unblended, the wine is rich and structured, with deep notes of blackcurrant, violet, and rose petals – a serious yet surprisingly drinkable red.
This map shows the various wine regions of Le Marche at a glance.
Verdicchio is easily recognized by its distinctive amphora-shaped bottle.
Rosso Conero is produced in the area surrounding Monte Conero, near Ancona.
Lacrima di Morro d’Alba is exclusively produced in the area surrounding the village of Morro d’Alba.
Wines from Southern Le Marche
The most widely produced wine in Le Marche is without a doubt the Rosso Piceno. Although found throughout the region, its heart lies in the south, in the province of Ascoli Piceno. This red wine is a blend of Sangiovese and Montepulciano grapes, known for its dry, fruity character with hints of cherry and plum. If the label says Superiore, it means the wine comes from the premium area around Ascoli Piceno, where the warm, dry soil brings out the very best in the Montepulciano grape.
Near the charming hilltop town of Offida, you’ll find an expansive wine region famous for its refined white wines: Falerio, Passerina, and especially Offida Pecorino. This last one is a golden, earthy white wine with strong personality. A few years ago, the Pecorino grape was nearly forgotten – tricky to grow and with low yields, it was almost abandoned. But passionate winemakers kept it alive, and now it’s considered the flagship white wine of southern Le Marche.
Another local gem is Passerina – a crisp and fruity white wine that’s perfect as an aperitif or paired with fish or white meat. And then there’s Falerio, an easy-drinking blend of Pecorino, Passerina and Trebbiano, often served as the house wine in local restaurants. Simple, honest, and a great match for an Italian meal.
The area around Offida is home to an extensive wine region known for producing excellent white wines such as Falerio, Passerina, and Offida Pecorino. Photo: Viva la Casa.
A special wine from southern Le Marche: Offida Pecorino, a golden, earthy white wine full of character. Photo: Viva la Casa.
Passerina is another typical grape variety from southern Le Marche – a fresh, fruity white wine that’s easy to enjoy. Photo: Viva la Casa.
Rosso Piceno is the most widely produced wine in Le Marche – found throughout the region, especially in the province of Ascoli Piceno. Photo: Viva la Casa.