Sartarelli 'Passito' Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi Classico, Marche, Italy

Sartarelli Passito Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi Classico is a beautifully crafted sweet wine that showcases the remarkable versatility of Italy's historic Verdicchio grape. Produced only in exceptional vintages from carefully selected fruit grown in the renowned Balciana vineyard, this elegant Passito combines the concentration achieved through traditional grape drying with the freshness and vibrant acidity that define Verdicchio. Rich, complex, and remarkably balanced, it is equally captivating as a dessert wine or a contemplative after-dinner indulgence.

Product Details:

• Founder: Ferruccio Sartarelli
• Estate Owners: Donatella Sartarelli and Patrizio Sartarelli
• Oenologist: Tommaso Sartarelli
• Variety: 100% Verdicchio
• Vineyard: Balciana
• Soils: Medium-textured with slight limestone content
• Vine Age: Approximately 18 years
• Harvest: Mid-October
• Production Method: Grapes naturally dried for approximately six weeks before vinification in December
• Fermentation: 35 to 40 days
• Ageing: Stainless steel tanks
• Alcohol: 14.5% ABV
• Residual Sugar: 70-75 g/L
• Titratable Acidity: 5.7 g/L
• pH: 3.5
• Annual Production: Approximately 6,000 bottles

Sensory Description:

Brilliant golden topaz in colour, the bouquet unfolds with expressive aromas of candied citrus, quince, dried apricot, honey, loquat, sultanas, and orange blossom, layered with subtle notes of sea breeze, white pepper, liquorice root, and sweet spice. The palate is luscious yet beautifully poised, combining concentrated stone fruit, preserved citrus, acacia honey, dried tropical fruit, and gentle spice with vibrant acidity and pronounced mineral freshness. Despite its richness, the wine remains remarkably elegant, finishing with exceptional persistence and a distinctive almond note that lingers gracefully.

Winemaker's Background:

Founded in 1972 by Ferruccio Sartarelli, the winery was created with a singular vision: to demonstrate the extraordinary potential of Verdicchio as one of Italy's great indigenous grape varieties. At a time when Verdicchio was largely regarded as a simple table wine, Ferruccio dedicated himself to producing wines of exceptional quality that reflected the unique character of Castelli di Jesi. Today, the estate remains entirely family-owned and operated by Donatella and Patrizio Sartarelli, with the next generation represented by oenologist Tommaso Sartarelli. Guided by the family's enduring values of quality, integrity, perseverance, and respect for tradition, Sartarelli has become one of the benchmark producers devoted exclusively to Verdicchio.

Serving Suggestions:

Serve well chilled at 8-10°C in a small tulip-shaped dessert wine glass. No decanting is required. This elegant Passito pairs beautifully with blue cheeses such as Gorgonzola or Roquefort, mature Pecorino, fruit preserves, almond tart, biscotti, amaretti, panettone, crème brûlée, baked apple desserts, and dried fruit pastries. It is equally memorable alongside dark chocolate, chocolate fondue, candied orange peel, or roasted nuts. Its balance of sweetness and freshness also makes it an exceptional meditation wine, perfect for quiet evenings, festive celebrations, or concluding a memorable meal.