Discover the Bianchello del Metauro DOC wine sub-region of Italy

about this subregion

The Bianchello del Metauro DOC, located in the Marche (Le Marche) wine region of Italy, is renowned for its unique environment that is very conducive to high-quality wine production. This DOC is bordered by the Colli Pesaresi DOC to the north and east, by the Falerio DOC to the northwest and the Pergola DOC to the south, creating a unique microclimate for viticulture.

The climate in the Bianchello del Metauro DOC is characterized by mild winters with occasional snowfall, warm and dry summers, and great temperature variations between day and night. This climate is ideal for the growth and ripening of grapes, helping to balance the natural acidity and sugar levels. The region receives around 700-800 millimeters of annual rainfall, more concentrated during the spring and autumn, which helps maintain soil moisture while avoiding waterlogging. The soils in this DOC, on the other hand, are diverse and include sandy clay, tufa, and silt.

The primary grape varieties cultivated in the Bianchello del Metauro DOC are Biancame, locally known as Bianchello, and Malvasia. These varieties thrive in the region's climate and soil conditions, producing high-quality wines that reflect the unique terroir of the area.

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The landscape of the Bianchello del Metauro DOC, is characterized by its picturesque and diverse topography. This wine region is located along the Metauro River valley, extending from the Adriatic Sea to the inland hills of the Cesane Mountains. The vineyards are mostly planted on rolling hills that range from 80 to 350 meters above sea level, providing a great range of microclimates and scenic views.

The area is characterized by its gently undulating hills that offer a blend between natural beauty and agricultural charm. The landscape features a mix of terraced vineyards, especially in the higher altitudes, and flatter areas closer to the river, which helps to optimize the sun exposure of the vines and the drainage of the soil.

The proximity to the Adriatic Sea also plays a key role in shaping the landscape. The coastal breezes help to moderate temperatures, something especially beneficial during the hot summer months. These breezes bring fresh air to the vines, contributing with their overall health by reducing the risk of fungal diseases.

In addition to the vineyards, the region is dotted with olive groves, wheat fields, and patches of woodland, that add to the biodiversity and charm of the area. This blend of different agricultural practices supports sustainable farming practices.

The climate of the Bianchello del Metauro DOC is characterized by its moderate conditions, influenced by the nearby Adriatic Sea and the Apennine Mountains.

The winters of this DOC are mild, with occasional snowfall due to the Apennine influence, which provides a dormancy period for the vines. Summers, on the other hand, are warm and dry, with great temperature variations between day and night that help to balance the acidity and sugar levels of the grapes. The average annual rainfall is about 700-800 millimeters, which, coupled with the soils with good drainage of Bianchello del Metauro, provides enough moisture for the vines, while avoiding waterlogging.

The region is also influenced by different winds, such as the cool and dry Bora and Tramontana winds from the north, and the warm and dry Sirocco (locally known as Garbino) from the south. These winds promote good air circulation between the vineyards, reducing humidity and the risk of fungal diseases.

Overall, these climatic conditions create an ideal environment for the Biancame and Malvasia grapes, allowing producers to craft fresh and balanced wines that reflect the unique terroir of the Bianchello del Metauro DOC.

The Bianchello del Metauro DOC benefits from diverse soil types that provide the wines from this region with unique characteristics.

Sandy Clay Soils: The predominant soil type in the Bianchello del Metauro DOC is sandy clay. These soils are well-drained, something that is key to prevent waterlogging and promote healthy root development. Sandy clay soils have a good balance of moisture and nutrients, key to supporting a vigorous growth of vines. This soil type allows for a more consistent grape ripening process, which contributes to the overall quality of the wines produced in this region.
Tufa Soils: Tufa soils, found in the hilly areas of the Bianchello del Metauro DOC, are composed of porous limestone. This soil is rich in minerals and gives wines a great complexity and minerality. Tufa soils have a great heat retention, allowing for a more gradual ripening process of the grapes. This slow and steady ripening process is essential for developing the unique flavors and aromas that characterize the wines from this region.‍
Silt Soils: Finally, silt soils are also prevalent in the hilly vineyards of the Bianchello del Metauro DOC. These soils have a fine texture and are rich in nutrients, providing an ideal environment for grapevines. These soils, rich in minerals, contribute to the robust flavor profile and complexity of the wines. In addition, the great water retention capacity of these soils ensures that the vines have access to water even during dry periods. This characteristic helps maintain vine health and productivity, leading to consistent grape yields and high-quality wine production.

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The Bianchello del Metauro DOC, located in the Marche (Le Marche) wine region of Italy, is renowned for its high-quality white wines. This DOC primarily utilizes two grape varieties: Biancame (also known as Bianchello) and Malvasia. Each grape contributes to the unique characteristics of the wines produced in this region.

Biancame (Bianchello): Biancame, also known as Bianchello, is the signature grape variety in the Bianchello del Metauro DOC. This grape thrives in the hilly terrains of the Marche region, and its usually cultivated at altitudes ranging from 80 to 350 meters above sea level. Biancame vines prefer sandy clay soils with great drainage that are predominant in the Bianchello del Metauro DOC. The climate of the region, characterized by mild winters, warm summers, and great temperature variations between day and night, is ideal for this grape. These conditions help Biancame to achieve a great balance between sugar concentration and acidity. Finally, dry summers and moderate rainfall ensure that the vines do not suffer excessive stress, which favors healthy growth and optimal grape development.‍
Malvasia: Malvasia, although less dominant than Biancame in the Bianchello del Metauro DOC, plays a key role in the blends of the region. This grape has a great adaptability to different soil types, although it thrives in calcareous soils with great drainage. Malvasia vines thrive in areas with mild winters and warm summers, similar conditions that Biancame. The grape's growth is supported by the moderate annual rainfall, which helps maintain the moisture in the soil without causing waterlogging. Usually Malvasia grows at a similar altitude than Biancame (between 80 and 350 meters above sea level). This elevation, combined with the temperate climate and great temperature variations between day and night, ensures that Malvasia achieves the right balance between natural sugar concentration and acidity, essential for high-quality wine production.

The Bianchello del Metauro DOC is renowned for its diverse white wine production. Bianchello del Metauro wines are crafted mostly from the Biancame grape, locally known as Bianchello, a variety that sometimes is blended with Malvasia. The DOC produces 4 styles of white wines: Bianco, Superiore, Spumante, and Passito, each of them offering a unique sensory experience.

Bianco: Bianco is the standard white wine of the Bianchello del Metauro DOC, crafted from at least 95% Biancame grapes and up to 5% Malvasia. This wine has a fresh and light aromatic profile, with delicate floral notes such as white flowers and hints of citrus and aromatic herbs. On the palate, Bianco wines are known for their crisp acidity and subtle minerality, something that makes them refreshing and easy to drink. They often showcase flavors of green apple and pear, with a clean and lingering finish that makes them vibrant.
Superiore: Superiore wines are a higher-quality version of the Bianco. These wines undergo more stringent production standards and longer aging processes, resulting in a richer and more complex profile. In the nose, Superiore wines offer more pronounced floral and fruity notes, with aromas of hawthorn, linden, and ripe stone fruits like peach and apricot, coupled with hints of aromaatic herbs. The flavor profile is more structured, with a fuller body than Bianco wines and a great balance between acidity and subtle sweetness. Superiore wines often show complex layers of honeyed and almond notes, providing a more luxurious experience in each sip.
Spumante: The Bianchello del Metauro DOC also produces sparkling wines, also known as Spumante, using the same percentage of grapes as the other wines from the region. This sparkling wine is known for its lively effervescence and bright aromatic profile. Usually, it shows aromas of citrus zest, green apple and aromatic herbs, and sometimes a hint of yeast or brioche from the secondary fermentation process. On the palate, Spumante is crisp and refreshing, with flavors of lemon, lime, and a touch of white peach. The bubbles that tingle in the palate make this wine an excellent choice for celebrations or to consume as an aperitif.‍
Passito: Finally, Passito wines are the sweet dessert wines of the Bianchello del Metauro DOC, made by drying the Biancame grapes to concentrate their sugars and flavors. These wines are rich and opulent, with a deep golden color. In the nose, Passito wines are very intense, offering notes of dried apricots, figs, and honey. On the palate, they are luscious and full-bodied, showing a mix of flavors that include caramel, candied citrus, and dried fruits. The sweetness of this wine is balanced by its natural acidity, which prevents the wine from being cloying and ensures a harmonious finish.

Bianchello del Metauro DOC

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