Santa Barbara Stefano Antonucci 'Pignocco' Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi, Marche, Italy

Radiating freshness and coastal charm, the 2022 Santa Barbara Stefano Antonucci 'Pignocco' Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi is a wine born from legend and elevated by innovation. Named after a storied pine tree that crowns the vineyard hilltops of Barbara, this Verdicchio captures the luminous energy of the Marche region, offering crisp acidity, aromatic grace, and a persistent, almond-laced finish that makes it endlessly drinkable and remarkably food-friendly.

Product Details:

• Varietal: 100% Verdicchio
• Colour: White
• Alcohol: 13%
• Vineyard Altitude: 230–250 meters
• Exposure: Southeast
• Soil: Sandy tuff
• Vine Age: 25 years
• Harvest: Manual, September
• Yield: 10,000 kg/ha
• Vine Training: Inverted counter-espalier
• Fermentation: Temperature-controlled stainless steel with cultured yeasts
• Aging: 4 months on lees in stainless steel
• Winemaker & Owner: Stefano Antonucci

Sensory Description:

This straw-yellow wine with greenish reflections delivers a refined bouquet of hawthorn blossom, ripe white peach, and fresh almond. On the palate, it is vivid and savory, defined by bright acidity, a supple mid-palate, and a long, mouthwatering finish that closes with a classic touch of almond. The texture is clean and fluid, striking a balance between approachability and precision.

Awards & Accolades:

• 88 Points – Vinous Media
  “Delicate and coy, lifting with hints of chamomile and crushed green apples. A soft, soothing effort with mineral-tinged orchard fruits and fresh acidity… ends with a green citrus twang that keeps the mouth watering.”

Winemaker's Background:

Winemaker Stefano Antonucci left a career in banking in the early 1990s to pursue his dream of crafting expressive wines rooted in the heart of his hometown, Barbara. With a fierce respect for tradition and a tireless drive for stylistic evolution, he transformed his family’s modest estate into the acclaimed Santa Barbara Winery. Today, the winery sits in a repurposed monastery in the Castelli di Jesi hills, where Stefano continues to marry precision winemaking with a visionary approach. The 'Pignocco' line, named after a local legendary pine, is a cornerstone of the estate, symbolizing his journey from banker to one of Italy’s most respected artisan winemakers.

Serving Suggestions:

Serve chilled at 45–50°F to enhance its crisp aromatics and zesty edge. This wine is a versatile companion to seafood, vegetable antipasti, creamy risottos, grilled chicken, or even sushi. Its clean profile and vibrant finish make it an ideal aperitif or a refreshing option for warm-weather dining.

The 2022 Santa Barbara Stefano Antonucci 'Pignocco' Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi is a beautiful expression of place, purpose, and personal vision. Crafted with care and driven by a desire to please real wine drinkers, it offers clarity, complexity, and character, all at once.