ColleStefano 'Marche Bianco' Litrozzo IGT, Italy

Golden straw with green reflections, aromas of crusty bread, almond skin, pear, and cardamom rise immediately from the glass of 2024 ColleStefano Litrozzo Bianco Marche IGT. This declassified Verdicchio, once sold in bulk, is now proudly bottled in liter format by Fabio Marchionni, who recognized its quality and authenticity as fully deserving of the Collestefano name. It reflects his long commitment to organic farming and his disciplined, minimal-intervention approach that has defined the estate since 1998.

Product Details:

• Winemaker & Owner: Fabio Marchionni
  
• Variety: 100% Verdicchio di Matelica from massal selections
  
• Farming: Certified organic since 1995, practicing sustainable viticulture
  
• Vineyards: 100% estate fruit, 15 hectares at 420 meters elevation, north-east exposure
  
• Soil: Alluvial soils with limestone and chalk, a mixture of sand, loam, and clay
  
• Vine Training: Double-overturned traditional Guyot, mono, and bilateral
  
• Harvest: Manual harvest in small crates
  
• Vinification: Soft pressing, slow fermentation at low temperature in stainless steel, no fining agents, no malolactic fermentation
  
• Aging: 4 months sur lie in stainless steel with additional bottle aging
  
• Alcohol: 13%
  
• Total Acidity: 5.5 g/l
  
• Volatile Acidity: 0.2 g/l
  
• pH: 3.30
  
• Residual Sugar: 0.5 g/l
  
• Dry Extract: 20 g/l
  
• Production: 22,000 bottles

Sensory Description:

On the palate, the wine is textural and almost creamy, with a subtle yeasty breadth balanced by vibrant acidity. Flavors of unripe pineapple and fresh bread lead into almond and pear tones, finishing clean, structured, and gently bitter. The high-elevation fruit delivers the linear drive and mineral tension characteristic of the inland Matelica style, offering brightness and elegance rather than overt fruit weight. The 2024 vintage expresses clarity and precision, maintaining freshness while allowing a slightly rustic charm that enhances its drinkability and sincerity.

Winemaker’s Background:

Azienda Agricola ColleStefano di Marchionni Fabio was established in 1998 when Fabio Marchionni took over his family’s estate after completing his agricultural degree, focusing his thesis on Verdicchio di Matelica. Early experience at Weingut Zähringer in Germany deepened his commitment to organic farming and environmentally sensitive viticulture. Since the 2001 vintage, his wines have consistently earned top recognition from Gambero Rosso, reinforcing his reputation as a benchmark producer of high-elevation, mineral-driven Verdicchio crafted with integrity and precision.

Serving Suggestions:

Serve chilled at 8 to 10 degrees Celsius in a medium white wine glass to highlight its aromatic lift and textural nuance. Ideal alongside seafood crudo, grilled prawns, fresh mozzarella, vegetable risotto, or simple roast chicken, it also excels as an aperitif where its freshness and subtle bitterness stimulate the palate.