Castelli di Jesi and its wines

I Castelli di Jesi are one of the most important wine districts of the Marche, in the central Italy, famous in particular for producing Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi, one of the finest Italian white wines.

Located around the town of Jesi, in the province of Ancona, the area includes a series of historic villages (the "castles"), set on gentle hills sloping down towards the Adriatic Sea. Thanks to the clay-limestone soils, the Mediterranean climate with Apennine and maritime influences, and wide temperature swings, this area allows the Verdicchio to express freshness, structure and great ageing capacity.

What is the Castelli di Jesi wine district?

The Castelli di Jesi are governed by two main appellations:

• Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi DOC → For young, fresh Verdicchio.

• Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi Classico DOC → For the wines produced in the historic, best-suited area.

• Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi Riserva DOCG → More complex, long-lived versions, with at least 18 months of ageing.

The area runs along the valley of the river Esino, on hills between 100 and 400 m above sea level, encouraging the production of mineral, savoury and very elegant whites.

Characteristics of Castelli di Jesi Wines

Colour

• Whites (Verdicchio): Straw yellow with greenish highlights when young, turning golden with age.

Aromas

• Fruity: Green apple, pear, white peach, citrus.

• Floral: Jasmine, acacia blossom.

• Mineral and Evolved: Notes of fresh almond in the young wines, petrol and honey in the aged ones.

Palate

• Fresh and Savoury: In the young and classic Verdicchio wines.

• Structured and Complex: In the Riserva and aged versions.

• Persistent and Elegant: With a characteristic slightly bitter finish.

Typical Grape Varieties of the Castelli di Jesi

White Grape Varieties

• Verdicchio: The undisputed king of the area, capable of freshness, longevity and a wide stylistic range (still, sparkling, passito).

Black Grape Varieties (in smaller proportions)

• Montepulciano, Sangiovese: Grown in small quantities, destined for other local DOCs.

Why Choose a Wine from the Castelli di Jesi?

A wine from the Castelli di Jesi is perfect for anyone who loves structured, fresh and gastronomic whites. The Verdicchio pair perfectly with fish, shellfish, pulse soups, white meat and fresh cheeses.
The more evolved versions also go beautifully with truffle dishes and traditional Marche cooking.