La Roccaccia Verdicchio di Matelica 2019

Verdicchio is one of the unsung hero white grapes of Italy, producing a wine with a superb balance of creamy, lemony and nutty intensity. Verdicchio’s best known appellation is Castelli di Jesi, but the finest wines, often ageworthy, come from the high altitude vineyards of tiny Matelica. We were introduced to this terrific white by Scipione ‘Papavero’ Giuliani. He’s very partial to the grape. This wine is from Cantine Belisario. Their Verdicchio is regarded as among Italy’s best. It’s a blend of cuvées from their highest vineyards, some up to 400 metres high. A generous portion of late harvest fruit adds real depth of flavour, while lees ageing lends creamy weight. A most enjoyable glass solo or with creamy rice dishes, chicken or seafood.