Pievalta Tre Ripe Verdicchio Castelli di Jesi 2020
Verdicchio’s long tradition as the Marche’s banner grape and its reputation as one of Italy’s greatest Italian white varieties is highly respected by the stewards of viniculture at Pievalta. Verdicchio production is centered in two place-name appellations of the Marche region: Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi and Verdicchio di Matelica. Pievalta terroir is located in the former, and the wines of Jesi tell the story of their microclimate and particular subzone. Pievalta’s young history was made possible by the vision of Silvano Brescianini (winemaker and Managing Partner of Barone Pizzini) who tapped enologist Alessandro Fenino to manage this ambitious project in 2002.
Pievalta refrains from conventional winemaking production, and has, since the outset, been farmed organically. In 2005, Alessandro also began conversion to biodynamic farming (Demeter certified since 2008) using legume cover crops between the rows and biodynamic preparations. In philosophy and practice, Pievalta aims to resurrect the spirit of their soils. To this effect, the makers act as stewards of their vineyards, and within the context of each season, usher a transparent expression of Verdicchio into wine. Using a less-is-more approach, Alessandro and his team allow the grape and terroir to take its natural course with very little intervention. Since 2009, all wines have been produced free of any animal additives.
Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi boasts a microclimate well suited for lighter and fresher Verdicchio expression. Clay and limestone amplify minerality and freshness of fruit character. A tell-tale varietal note of all Verdicchio is often described as sweet almond. Verdicchio is a non-aromatic variety, but expect a streak of citrus to show, especially lime. Because Verdicchio maintains high levels of tartaric acidity, the wines can be crisp, refreshing and highly age-worthy.
Verdicchio’s long tradition as the Marche’s banner grape and its reputation as one of Italy’s greatest Italian white varieties is highly respected by the stewards of viti- and viniculture at Pievalta. Verdicchio production here is centered in the place-name appellation Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi in the Ancona province of the Marche region. Pievalta’s young history was made possible by the vision of Silvano Brescianini (winemaker and Managing Partner of Barone Pizzini) who tapped enologist Alessandro Fenino to manage this ambitious project in 2002. Pievalta’s Verdicchio Classico Superiore is sourced from nine vineyards on the left bank of the Esino River. The average elevation is 200 meters above sea level with a density of 1666-5400 vines per hectare. Soils are calcareous clay, sandstone and limestone in origin. The alchemical symbol on the label means spring and indicates the freshness of the wine. Since 2008, all Pievalta wines have been certified Biodynamic by Demeter.
| Vintage | 2020 |
| Appellation | Verdicchio di Castelli di Jesi |
| Designation | DOC |
| Alcohol | 12.50% |
| Volume | 750 ml |
| Country of Origin | ITALY |
| State of Origin | N/A |
| Sparkling Wine | No |
Pievalta farms 26.5 hectares of estate-owned vineyards in two key sites flanking both banks of the Esino River Valley in the province of Ancona. Vineyards on the left bank (planted in the 1970s) are predominately clay and limestone, and have been updated with new plantings for higher density. Vineyards flanking the right bank of the Esino River are of higher elevation and steep slopes, and marked by soils of granitic sandstone. All work in the vineyards is painstakingly carried out by hand throughout all events during the growing season.
