Italy: Central Whites, including Verdicchio
2015: Gold 4 Silver 5 Bronze 1 Commended 7
2014: Gold 2 Silver 6 Bronze 4 Commended 7
We’ve got used to seeing a good performance from Verdicchio here over the past few years, so it was a surprise (in a good way) to see the Marche classic being backed up by some high-quality entries from elsewhere. This isn’t a big section of the Sommelier Wine Awards, but it’s becoming something of a value-for-money, food-friendly gem.
FOOTNOTE: Includes wines from Emilia-Romagna, Umbria, Marche, Lazio, Molise, Tuscany & Abruzzo.
From the Tasting Teams
‘The whites were quite fresh and mineral – a nice alternative to NZ Sauvignon Blanc, and a lot more food-friendly.’ Debbie Smith, 21212
‘There were no bad wines in the Verdicchio flight – just some that were more interesting than others. Price can be an issue for these, though. Anything over £30 on the list we can struggle to sell.’ Giuseppe Longobardi, The Cross at Kenilworth
‘Food-wise, you have a lot to play with when it comes to Verdicchio. The simpler ones are good for langoustines, the richer ones for seafood linguini.’ Charles Van Wyk, FJB Hotels
‘With Verdecchio you are looking to get a good wine at a reasonable price. [The Moncaro Le Vele] was a bit more than just being cheap and fresh.’ Gareth Ferreira, Launceston Place
‘There was some seriously good value for money, wines that could be a second house wine, offering a point of difference and great value – fresh, citrusy and very well made.’ Caroline Brangé, 28º-50º Mayfair