La Staffa, 'Rincrocca' Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi Riserva Classico DOCG, Marche, Italy 2019

Overview of the Wine
La Staffa's young owner and enologist Riccardo Baldi was sharing a booth not far away, and I tasted through his whole line of wines, impressed by them and by his youthful enthusiasm (Riccardo is 24 and has already made 4 vintages). A week later, a visit to the vineyards and winery in the beautiful rolling hills outside the little town of Staffolo was equally impressive. (The Marche is one of Italy's most beautiful region, and the wine and food culture of the area should be better known.)

Ian d'Agata, in his wonderful new book about Italian grapes*, says that Verdicchio is arguably Italy's greatest native white grape variety;' I don't know if I'd go quite that far, but I love the grape and have drunk a lot over the years. The combination of aromas and flavors (apple, citrus, almond, herbs) is different, the weight in the mouth is different, but both wines are excellent examples of a fine Italian native variety.

Grape / Blend
100% Verdicchio 

Origin
Marche, Italy

Winemaker's Tasting Notes
La Staffa’s ‘Rincrocca’ is a selection of old Verdicchio vines. The site is planted with 5 different clones of Verdicchio, 2 of these clones are not available in the market anymore. Notes of almond, citrus, green apple, and herbs, with fresh acidity and a long finish. Delicious as a dry aperitif, or drink with most any seafood dish or roast chicken.

92 Points - Wine Enthusiast
Rincrocca is La Staffa's selection from their oldest vines planted with five different clones of Verdicchio (two of which are found only on this estate). This wine opens with aromas of fresh orchard fruits, pressed wildflowers and candied lemon zest. The palate is layered and textured. Each sip evolves until the bottle is empty, so buy more than one. Notes of crushed chalk, sea salt and almonds wrap around the core of beautifully pure Bosc pear flavors.

Product size: 750ml