2024 Santa Barbara Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi DOC Classico Le Vaglie, Marche

From the rolling Adriatic hills of Marche, Stefano Antonucci of Santa Barbara has played a pivotal role in redefining Verdicchio’s reputation from simple local white to one of Italy’s most compelling terroir driven wines. Founded in the 1990s near Barbara in the Castelli di Jesi zone, the winery combines modern precision with deep regional pride, crafting wines that highlight Verdicchio’s natural freshness, texture and ageing potential. The Classico zone, with its calcareous clay soils and cooling sea breezes, gives Le Vaglie its distinctive balance of ripeness and mineral clarity.

A bright straw yellow with green tinges shimmers in the glass, releasing aromas of lemon zest, white peach and green apple layered with wild fennel, almond blossom and a subtle saline lift. There is a sunlit Mediterranean feel to the bouquet, vibrant yet refined, offering both immediacy and gentle complexity.

The palate is crisp and flowing, delivering citrus and stone fruit flavours framed by lively acidity and a softly textural mid palate. Notes of bitter almond, crushed herbs and wet stone build through the finish, creating a wine that feels refreshing yet quietly structured. While beautifully drinkable now, it will evolve gracefully over five to seven years, gaining honeyed nuance and savoury depth.

A natural partner for seafood rich tables and relaxed coastal dining, this Verdicchio shines with grilled calamari, seafood brodetto, lemon roasted chicken or vegetable antipasti. Santa Barbara Le Vaglie captures the authentic spirit of Castelli di Jesi, perfect for long lunches, seaside conversations and moments where Italian hospitality and vibrant flavours come together effortlessly.