2023 Umani Ronchi Casal di Serra Verdicchio, Marche

Lemons, biscuits and seashells on the nose. Touch of acacia honey. It’s crisp and tangy with a medium body and a tasty, waxy finish. From organically grown grapes. Drink now.

91 points jamessuckling.com

Umani Ronchi Casal di Serra Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi Classico Superiore is a benchmark white wine from the Marche region of central Italy, crafted entirely from Verdicchio — one of Italy’s most characterful and age-worthy native white grapes. Casal di Serra was among the first Verdicchio wines to be made with a more serious, structured style, showcasing not just freshness but also depth and longevity.

Sourced from hillside vineyards in the heart of the Classico zone around Jesi, the grapes grow on clay-limestone soils with excellent exposure and ventilation. Fermentation takes place in stainless steel to preserve aromatics, followed by lees ageing for several months to add texture and complexity. The result is a wine that combines citrus brightness with layered, savoury nuance.

The nose opens with aromas of lemon zest, green apple, almond blossom and subtle flint. On the palate, it is medium bodied and vibrant, offering flavours of white peach, grapefruit, crushed herbs and a signature Verdicchio note of bitter almond on the long, mineral finish. There's a touch of salinity and a fine acid line that keeps the wine precise and refreshing.

Food pairing: ideal with seafood risotto, grilled calamari, shellfish, fritto misto, soft cheeses or herbed roast chicken. Also excellent with vegetable antipasti or light pasta dishes with lemon and olive oil.

Cellar potential: delicious now for its clarity and energy, but capable of evolving for 5 to 7 years, gaining complexity, richness and subtle honeyed notes over time.