Maccagnano (2008) - Vinicola Gagliardi
In the heart of the Marche, Vinicola Gagliardi guards a secret going back centuries. Verdicchio di Matelica, and the Maccagnano riserva in particular, is said to have roots reaching down to Roman times, when the legionaries prized this nectar for its invigorating properties. The winery, set in an enchanting valley, has been run by the Gagliardi family for generations. One curious anecdote tells how, during the Second World War, the casks of Verdicchio were hidden in secret caves to protect them from looting. Today the 2008 Maccagnano is a tribute to that tradition, a wine that carries the history and the passion of a unique area.
Maccagnano (2008) - Vinicola Gagliardi
Type: Vino Bianco
Appellation: Verdicchio di Matelica Riserva DOCG
Grape variety: Verdicchio
Vintage: 2008
Winery: Vinicola Gagliardi
Alcohol: 14%
The appellation: Verdicchio di Matelica Riserva DOCG
Verdicchio di Matelica Riserva DOCG is one of the most refined expressions of viticulture in the Marche, recognised for its quality and complexity. This appellation, which gained DOCG status in 2010, is the result of careful selection of Verdicchio grapes, grown in an area marked by a favourable climate and mineral-rich soils.
Read more about Verdicchio di Matelica Riserva DOCGWhat to eat with Maccagnano
Who makes it: Vinicola Gagliardi
Vinicola Gagliardi is a historic estate founded in 1955 at Matelica by Gino Gagliardi, a pioneer of Marche viticulture. Today the estate is run by Umberto and Lara, who continue to carry forward the tradition of quality and innovation. Gagliardi was the first bottler in the province of Macerata and played a key role in the history of Verdicchio, producing the first wine with Denominazione di Origine Controllata status in 1967. In 2009 it obtained the prestigious D.O.C.G. for Verdicchio di Matelica Riserva, cementing its reputation in the world of wine.
Read more about Vinicola GagliardiThe vine of Maccagnano
Verdicchio
Verdicchio is one of the most important and long-lived white grape varieties in Italy, an absolute symbol of the Marche region. It is prized for its freshness, marked salinity, aromatic finesse and extraordinary ageing capacity, qualities that make it the star of both young, immediate wines and great whites for long ageing. The name derives from "verde" (green), because of the greenish reflections the wine often retains even as it evolves.
Find out moreMaccagnano: the Matelica area
Matelica
The Matelica area is one of the hidden gems of the Marche, famous for producing high-quality wines, in particular Verdicchio. This wine district stands out for its hilly landscape, with clay and limestone soils that give the wines a unique freshness and minerality. Matelica's winemaking history is an ancient one, rooted in Roman times, when the local wines were already appreciated. Today the Verdicchio di Matelica DOC appellation is recognised for its excellence and for the range of styles it offers, from fresh, fruity whites to more complex, structured wines.
Read more about MatelicaClimate: Mediterranean
Altitude: Low to mid altitude (200–500 m above sea level)
Soil: Limestone / chalk
Geographical setting: Hilly
Profile of Maccagnano
Primary aromas: White flowers, White fruit
Secondary aromas: Mediterranean herbs, minerals
Tertiary aromas: Leather, Honey
Tasting notes: A 2008 Verdicchio di Matelica with notes of white fruit and a mineral structure. Perfect with fish dishes.
| Sulphites | yes |
| Body | Mineral |
| Acidity | Medium-high |
| Tannin | Absent |
| Sweetness | Dry |
| Finish | Media |
| Colour | Straw yellow with pale green highlights |
| Clarity | Clear |
Winemaking methods used for Maccagnano
Stainless steel winemaking for freshness and aromas
Stainless steel winemaking is a modern, versatile technique, particularly prized for producing fresh, aromatic and lively wines. Thanks to the use of stainless steel tanks, fermentation takes place in a neutral, controlled environment, preserving the primary characteristics of the grape variety and of the terroir as fully as possible. This approach makes it possible to obtain wines that clearly express their varietal personality and a pleasant lightness. What is Stainless Steel Winemaking? Stainless steel winemaking involves the use of stainless steel tanks during alcoholic fermentation and, often, during ageing as well. These vessels guarantee a hygienic, controlled environment, free from outside influences that might alter the aromatic profile of the wine. What is more, precise temperature control helps develop fresh, fruity aromas, avoiding oxidation or unwanted fermentations. Advantages of Stainless Steel Winemaking Preserving freshness: the primary aromas of the grape variety remain intact. Temperature control: it allows slow, steady fermentations, bringing out the aromas and the structure. Aromatic purity: stainless steel adds no outside flavours, guaranteeing an authentic product. Stages of Stainless Steel Winemaking 1. Harvest and Pressing The grapes are picked at the right degree of ripeness and gently pressed to obtain a clean, high-quality must. 2. Settling the Must The must is clarified to remove any solid residues, ensuring a clean fermentation. 3. Fermentation in Stainless Steel Fermentation takes place in stainless steel tanks, with strict temperature control (generally between 10°C and 18°C for whites and rosés). 4. Stabilisation After fermentation, the wine is left to rest in the tanks to refine and stabilise, before bottling. Characteristics of the Resulting Wines Colour Whites: bright straw yellow with greenish highlights. Rosés: delicate tones of pale pink or salmon. Light reds: pale ruby red with lively transparency. Aromas Fruity: notes of citrus, peach, green apple and berries. Floral: hints of white flowers, violets or dog rose. Mineral: fresh, saline nuances, typical of certain terroirs. Taste Fresh and lively: with balanced acidity and a light body. Harmonious: perfect for drinking young and informally. Grape Varieties Ideal for Stainless Steel Winemaking White Grape Varieties Vermentino: perfect for bringing out freshness and minerality. Sauvignon Blanc: aromatic and vibrant, with citrus and tropical fruit notes. Black Grape Varieties Pinot Nero: ideal for rosés and light, elegant reds. Montepulciano: perfect for fresh, fruity rosés. Why Choose a Wine Made in Stainless Steel? A wine made in stainless steel is the essence of freshness and varietal purity, perfect for anyone looking for intense aromas, liveliness and lightness. Ideal for aperitifs, light dishes and convivial moments, these wines are a true tribute to nature and to the quality of the grapes.
Find out moreAgeing methods used for Maccagnano
In stainless steel
Ageing in stainless steel is a winemaking practice aimed at preserving the freshness, aromatic integrity and varietal purity of the wine. It is used above all for white, rosé and young red wines, but also for light, easy-drinking reds that do not require maturation in wood. Stainless steel vessels are inert and impermeable to oxygen, so they do not interact with the wine: this makes it possible to bring out the fruity, floral and mineral component of the grape and of the terroir.
Find out moreTime on the lees for Maccagnano
- No contact with the lees