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WINES OF CENTRAL ITALY
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Pievalta
Verdicchio’s long tradition as Le Marché’s banner grape and its reputation as one of Italy’s greatest Italian
white varieties is highly respected by the stewards of viti and viniculture at Pievalta. Verdicchio production
is centered in two place-name appellations of Le Marché region: Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi and
Verdicchio di Matelica. Pievalta’s terroir is located in the former, and the wines of Jesi tell the story of their
microclimate and particular subzone. Pievalta’s young history was made possible by the vision of Silvano
Brescianini (winemaker and Managing Partner of Barone Pizzini) who tapped enologist Alessandro Fenino
to manage this ambitious project in 2002.
Pievalta farms 26.5 hectares of estate-owned vineyards in two key sites flanking both banks of the Esino
River Valley in the province of Ancona. Vineyards on the left bank (planted in the 1970s) are predominately
clay and limestone, and have been updated with new plantings for higher density. Vineyards flanking the
right bank of the Esino River are of higher elevation and steep slopes, and marked by soils of granitic
sandstone. All work in the vineyards is painstakingly carried out by hand throughout all events during the
growing season.
Pievalta refrains from conventional winemaking production, and has, since the outset, been farmed organically.
In 2005, Alessandro also began the conversion to biodynamic farming (Demeter certified since 2008) using
legume cover crops between the rows and biodynamic preparations. In philosophy and practice, Pievalta aims
to resurrect the spirit of their soils. To this effect, the makers act as stewards of their vineyards, and within the
context of each season, usher a transparent expression of Verdicchio into wine. Using a less-is-more approach,
Alessandro and his team allow the grape and terroir to take its natural course with very little intervention. Since
2009, all wines have been produced free of any animal additives.
Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi Classico Superiore DOC
Pievalta’s Verdicchio Classico Superiore is sourced from nine vineyards on the left bank of the Esino
River. The average elevation is 200 meters above sea level with a density of 1,666 – 5,400 vines per
hectare. Soils are calcareous clay, sandstone and limestone in origin. The alchemical symbol on the label
means spring and indicates the freshness of the wine.
Verdicchio is sourced from the eight vineyards in the production zone of Maiolati Spontini (including
Chiesa del Pozzo, Fosso del Lupo, Costa del Togno, Veranda, San Paolo Vecchie Vigne, Orfeo, San
Paolo Bosco, Pieve) from late August through late September for a direct pressing and fermentation
in stainless steel, and aging in stainless for six months. Bentonite is used as the fining agent. Partial
malolactic conversion is allowed for mouthfeel and weight.
Castelli di Jesi Verdicchio Riserva Classico DOCG San Paolo
Pievalta’s San Paolo Verdicchio Riserva is sourced from the single vineyard of San Paolo. The three hectare
site sits at an average of 200 – 300 meters above sea level with a northeastern exposure on Monte
Follonica hillside on the right bank of the Esino River. Soils are calcareous clay and sandstone in origin. The
alchemical symbol on the label means summer because of the richness and energy of this reserve wine. San
Paolo Verdicchio Riserva is harvested in late August for a direct pressing and fermentation in stainless steel,
and aging in stainless for 26 months. Bentonite is used as the fining agent.