# Petrara Verdicchio di Matelica (2023)

- **Producer:** Borgo Paglianetto
- **Colour:** white
- **Type:** still
- **Grapes:** Verdicchio
- **Region:** Marche, Italy
- **Style:** Classic
- **Alcohol:** 13.5%
- **Average price:** €15
- **Contains sulphites:** Yes
- **When to drink:** Now or Later
- **Serving temperature:** 10–12 °C
- **Aromas & flavours:** blossom, peach, apricot, lemon, grapefruit, fennel, almond, honey

## About this wine

Borgo Paglianetto is located in the heart of the Marche region, specifically in the landlocked Alta Valle dell’Esino. This unique valley runs North-to-South, creating a continental microclimate with dramatic diurnal temperature shifts. Certified organic since 2013, the estate focuses on low-impact viticulture. The 'Petrara' bottling comes from vineyards situated at 350 to 400 meters above sea level, planted on ancient clay-limestone soils rich in marine fossils, which impart a distinct mineral character to the wine.

## Interesting facts

- The Alta Valle dell’Esino is the only valley in Marche running North-to-South, blocking marine breezes and creating a continental climate.
- Borgo Paglianetto has been fully certified organic since 2013, practicing low-impact viticulture.
- The vineyards sit on ancient clay-limestone soils rich in marine fossils, highly similar to Burgundy's Côte d'Or.

## Food pairing

The high acidity and medium-plus body of this Verdicchio cut through rich seafood, poultry, and creamy pasta dishes, while its saline minerality complements fresh shellfish and herbs.

## Wine making process

The winemaking process for Petrara emphasizes purity and terroir expression. Grapes are hand-harvested from late September to early October. They undergo gentle pressing under reductive conditions to prevent oxidation and preserve fresh aromatics. Fermentation takes place in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks using native yeasts, ensuring a clean, precise representation of the Verdicchio grape without oak influence.