WINE: Fattoria Laila Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi Classico Superiore 2008
Light straw in color with a slight greenish tinge, this lesser-known Italian white wine from the Marches region displays aromas of peaches, pears, lemons, and floral elements. The wine’s palate is defined by a crisp minerality that lies just underneath its peach, pear and subtle almond flavors. The silky mouth-feel and light-to-medium body works well with the shellfish in Greg’s cioppino-inspired pasta. Also, verdicchio is known for having a slightly bitter aftertaste, which seems to pair perfectly with fennel, especially cooked fennel like in this dish.When it comes to Italian white wines, pinot grigio seems to get all the attention. However, I believe Italy’s “other white wines” are far more interesting. In addition to verdicchio, look for arneis, falanghina, fiano, gavi, greci di tufo, orvieto, soave classico, and vernaccia. Some of these are named after the grape variety and some are named after the geographical region. Most are dry and light-to-medium bodied, fairly simple, and very food friendly. Leave the pinot grigio to the “ladies who lunch.”
Grant Henry
PRICE: about $12.00
Also pairs well with: antipasti, fennel, fish, herbs, pasta, light risotto, tomatoes, vegetables
Category- White
Varietal- Verdicchio
Region– Le Marche, Italy
Available at:
- Category White Wine
- Varietal Verdicchio
- Region Le Marche Italy
