Andrea Felici Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi Classico

The Wine

From the Eastern side of Italy's Marche region, a short distance from the Sea, the sub-zone known as Castelli di Jesi (Jesi's castle, in short) is known for Verdicchio wines with more fruit and body than those from the high-altitude, Western region known as Matelica.

Aromas of the citrus family, Granny Smith apple, pear and floral/herb notes. There is a common note of flint, with the overall impression often being considered similar to Chablis, which shares this wine's tension and mineral character.

Pairings: Lean fish, seafood, Linguine and clams and dishes featuring herbs, fennel and light cream sauce. Charcuterie plates and fresh or semi-soft cheeses (especially those made from raw milk)

The Winery

Another one of our curated producers that fits our usual filters - meticulous vineyard management following organic farming practices, a commitment to native grapes and a winemaking style that allows them their highest possible expression in every vintage. And while the Castelli di Jesi is known as being lower than neighboring Matelica, Andrea Felici pulls from estate vineyards at 2,000 ft, the highest in the appellation.

Leonardo Felici, the current generation at the helm here, trained as a sommelier and worked in some of Italy's finest restaurants. He brings this fine dining heritage to the family's wines, most notably due to his love of Chablis and White Burgundy, with their mineral-driven style and Kimmeridgian soils, both of which shape Leo's style with his own wines.

Accolades: Winemaker of the Year, 2020. Listed among Italy's Top 50 Wineries. Praised by Forbes for producing some of Italy's top white wines.