Salmariano Castelli di Jesi Verdicchio Classico Riserva

Early Summer Dream

There are certainly many memories that my last stay in the Marche has left imprinted in my mind, but if I had to associate this trip with a wine, it would surely be the Verdicchio: on one hand I was struck by the variety of characteristics this grape variety can offer in relation to different winemaking techniques, on the other I was impressed by how well these wines pair with the equally varied local cuisine.

While it is true that outside this territory the Verdicchio is unable to produce wines of particular distinction, it is certain that on Marche soil it can deliver great satisfaction both in the Classico and the Riserva versions: the former displays the great structure this grape variety can bestow upon its wines, combined with the freshness that is its trademark; the latter flaunts an uncommon complexity gifted by evolution and a softness always balanced by the acidic component (more discreet compared to the base version but still present).

Among all the wines that accompanied our early summer dinners, I think it is worth dwelling on the Salmariano Castelli di Jesi Verdicchio Classico Riserva 2010 by Mariotti Campi, a wine I feel comfortable recommending also for its excellent value for money.
Its color, straw yellow with beautiful golden reflections and undeniable body, tells us something of its story and gives us some clues about what this wine will have to offer.
On the nose the Salmariano offers the best of its repertoire of intensity and complexity, with hints of tropical fruit and hawthorn and acacia blossoms on a spiced base of vanilla, accompanied by a lovely mineral note of flint.
On the palate it shows a beautiful sapidity which, alongside a discreet acidic component, manages to balance the pronounced characteristics of alcohol and softness, lending the wine an excellent equilibrium.
Intense, persistent and refined, the Salmariano is to be considered mature in its evolutionary journey and certainly harmonious.

As for food pairings, the choice is overwhelming, but I believe a spaghetto allo scoglio with adequate sapidity could represent the ideal choice.