Experience The Killer V White Wines of Italy

Marche Region

Experience The Killer V White Wines of Italy. It seems like every region in Italy has their own special white grapes and white wines. Marche is not any different. It boasts a wonderful white wine called Verdicchio. The regions of Umbria and Lazio make Verdicchio wines as well, but you should focus on Marche’s versions. Verdicchio is the first of the Killer Vees of Italy. White grapes benefit from the cool breezes that come down the east coast of Italy from Russia. The aroma and taste profile is different from other popular Italian whites like pinot grigio. Verdicchio is high in acidity. It gives aromas and tastes of peach, lemon and salt. It has a characteristic bitter almond finish. Other than the peach, it almost sounds like a horrible wine. However, when you take your first sip, you will be sold!

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There are many types of verdicchio from which to choose. However, the two that are highly regarded are Verdicchio di Matelica and Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi. Matelica and Jesi are towns in Marche. Castelli means castles, therefore it translates to “Castles of Jesi”. The pictures above are just examples. As for these wines, I have no particular recommendation. Just buy wines that are from one of the towns above. And, enjoy the many shapes in which the verdicchio bottles come!

Verdicchio is available as a sparkling wine and Rosato (Rose). Italy is known for making both styles with all sorts of grapes and wines. It’s part of which makes it such a great wine trip destination!

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Sardegna Region

Next up for the Killer Vees of Italy is Vermentino. It is made primarily on the large island of Sardegna off the west coast of Italy which makes it a great seafood wine. It is also the primary white grape of the Liguria region. In addition, Vermentino is now planted in other regions such as Tuscany. This and the next Killer See are western grapes. The winds are warm and come up from the Mediteranean. However, it’s aroma and taste profile is surprisingly similar to Verdicchio. Sardegna Vermentinos have aromas of pear, peach, lime and grapefruit. It is usually dry with flavors of grapefruit, citrus, minerality and saltiness. It finishes with the classic bitter almond flavor. Like Verdicchio, it will have you at the first sip!

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I suggest that you buy one that your liquor store carries from Sardegna. You won’t find a bad one. Pictured above, Argiolas is a great and reliable brand. They make many types besides Costamolino. In addition, eVrmentino comes in a Rosato (Rose) and a sparkling Rosato.

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Tuscany Region

The last of the Killer Vees of Italy comes from my favorite region in Italy. It is known as Vernaccia di San Gimignano or simply Vernaccia. It is the primary white wine in Toscana. The growing area is based around the medieval town of San Gimignano. It is famous for its bell towers. I visited there years ago. Luckily, I happened upon a small winery called Fattoria il Palagio. It was super cool when I found out it was owned by Sting and his wife!

The aromas and flavors of Vernaccia are pears, apples and the hallmark bitter almond finish. It has nice acidity and a chalky finish. Don’t let the notes scare you away. Buy it, you’ll like it! In fact, if you ever want to go to Tuscany, I can help you design your trip. San Gimignano is a must see!

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I couldn’t find any Vernaccia Roses or Sparkling wines that I would recommend. I did find a Rose called Panizzi in Toscana. However, I also found that it was owned by the infamous Santa Margherita. They are known for over-priced and diminishing quality Pinot Grigio. It might be worth a try since they technically just own it, but I wouldn’t pay more than $12-$15 for it.

Pairings

All three can be served as an aperitif. This might sound too simple, but all three go with seafood. In addition, vernaccia goes well with chicken or fish in savory sauces. Verdicchio goes well with proscuitto, potato-cheese puff pastries, quiche and soufflés. Vermentino is made to go with seafood and garlicky dishes.

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Experience The Killer V White Wines of Italy