Marchetti Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi 2024

This is a rare opportunity to showcase one of Italy's most distinctive white wines for less than $20 a bottle. Verdicchio (ver-deek-ee-o) is a grape that grows across central Italy but is most famous in Abruzzo. If you remember the old fish bottles, those were originally Verdicchio from the 1980s, before this category became hot and expensive. The appellation of Castello dei Jesi lies at the base of the Apennine Mountains, close to the Adriatic Sea. As you might expect, this wine is perfect for seafood but also pairs well with grilled pork and chicken.

The scent of Verdicchio is like a combination of Muscadet and Pinot Grigio. This wine presents a subtle nose of lemon zest, magnolia blossom, and a hint of nectarine, with minerally notes of oyster shell and white pepper. On the palate, this example has moderate weight, with the fruit framed by obvious acidity that keeps it focused into the finish. Try it with grilled shrimp or fried oysters and scallops.