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Our partnership with Villa Annalisa is special—we get to work very closely with the team here to select wines that not only do great justice to the Marche’s vinous history but also are leaps ahead of many other producers in the region in terms of quality and value.
Villa Annalisa is nestled in the hills above the sea town of Ancona, a haven for seafood and vacationers along the Adriatic. Verdicchio and Montepulciano are the region’s native grapes, and reach their apogee here under the guiding eye of winemaker Andrea Crocenzi.
The cooling influence of the sea and the altitude of the vineyards—all more than 1,000 feet above sea level—are what keep grapes concentrated and balanced, not to mention the estate’s dedication to very low yields (unusual in the region). Vines too are densely planted, a further step to ensure that fruit is as expressive and complex as it can be.
With such dedication to quality, the selection process couldn’t be easier. We taste through every barrel and tank in the Villa Annalisa’s cellars to come up with blends that we feel represent best the terroir and the true varietal character of Verdicchio and Montepulciano.
Our Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi selection is 100% Verdicchio, a native Italian white varietal with lively acidity and a delicate floral perfume. The estate’s high-altitude vineyards, and very low yields, help keep Verdicchio fresh and balanced. Our Rosso Conero selection is 100% Montepulciano from the slopes of Monte Conero. Vines here mix with olive and fruit trees in a perfect symbiosis, while the sea’s influence moderates the summer heat.