Do you know “Le Marche?” One of the lesser known and under appreciated regions of Italy. You should, the comforting country side, the pristine Adriatic coast, the beautiful people and the fabulous wine.
We have enjoyed wines from Marche for years, our first the comely Verdicchio and then, another white that has become a favorite, delightful Pecarino. Now we know more about the other wonderful wines from this region.
It was a great pleasure to meet Angela Velenosi owner of the wine estate of the same name that she founded in 1984 with her husband, Ercole, just outside the picturesque town of Ascoli Piceno.
Built out of pure passion and untiring efforts, the Velenosi winery today produces over two million bottles annually, yet where many wineries would resort to producing wine of more “commercial” nature, Velenosi succeeds by making wines that are true and pure to the region, some with grapes that have may have faced extinction.
The lunch at the impeccable Lincoln Ristorante was a very fitting setting for experiencing her exceptional wines. We chatted about life, "presidential" campaigns, and of course the wine. Angela's impassioned yet lighthearted take on life is a joy to behold.
With us was Ulisse Patalocchi, Velenosi Export Manager, who walked us through the eight wonderful wines paired with four courses.
His charming and eloquent style, and proficient portrayals of each of the eight wines was exceptional.
We started with a lovely Spumante Brut made with the Passerina grape, it is Velenosi's answer to Prosecco. Made in Marche in the "Metodo Charmat," it is a distinct winner. The passerina grape isn’t as popular as Marche’s top white grape, Verdicchio, but like Pecarino makes very fine wine.
Then two more whites, of course a Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi Doc Classico, and her Pecarino. Both fabulous.
The whites we have known and enjoyed, what was most exciting was tasting Angela's red wines. The four red wines that followed took us on an equally fantastic journey.
We enjoyed her wines made with Sangiovese and Montepulciano. Yet, we were even more thrilled with those made with more exotic grapes like Lacrima which in her, Lacrima Di Morro d’Alba Classico, had a lush purple and ruby color with vivid aromas of violet and rose flowers with flavors of strawberry and cherry in a rich and slightly herbal, mildly tannic smooth full bodied wine.
And the Rosso Piceno Superiore Il Brecciarolo, which was garnet red with juicy red fruits, a floral bouquet of violet and rich spice flavors. Towards the end it displayed lush tastes of vanilla in a complex yet well balanced wine.
Happy we were.
Read more about Velenosi wines here: Domain Select Velenosi
Things to do, places to see, with food and booze
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