2021 Grimaldi Verdicchio di Matelica DOC, Marche, Italy

In 2015 the Grimaldi family, who had been working in construction for four generations, acquired the land where the winery now sits. What started as an attempt to diversify the family business and a scant 3 hectares of grapes, soon blossomed into 8 hectares of premium Verdicchio planted in the Matelica appellation. Matelica is in the west of the Marche in the foothills of the Apennines, not far from the border with Umbria. Grimaldi is located just outside the little town of Matelica itself, at 1,500-1,800 feet above sea level. The elevation of the vineyards is important to the character of these wines; higher elevation makes for a cooler climate, and better retention of acidity. The perfect place for Verdicchio—which is only grown in two appellations in the Marche region, Castelli di Jesi and Matelica.

Tenuta Grimaldi only produces Verdicchio, from four different clones. They grow their grapes organically, with relatively low yields. The fruit is picked by hand into small boxes, the whole bunches are pressed, and the juice is settled out and fermented in stainless steel tanks and large wooden barrels—to add complexity to the wine without adding oak flavors. After the alcoholic fermentation, the wine was aged in the same vessels on the fine lees until bottling, in June.

Pale yellow with green flashes. Classic aromas of ripe peach, lemon curd and a soft floral note. The palate is tart and bright with flavors of yellow peach, apricot and Meyer lemon, mingled with green dandelion. Pure and focused, with a charming salinity on the long, lip-smacking finish.