Discover the Colli Maceratesi DOC wine sub-region of Italy

about this subregion

The Colli Maceratesi DOC, located in the Marche wine region of central Italy, is known for its diverse environment and rich viticultural heritage. This DOC borders the Essino DOC to the north, the Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi DOC and Castelli di Jesi Verdicchio Riserva DOCG to the northeast, the Vernaccia di Serrapetrona DOCG, Serrapetrona DOC, and Rosso Piceno DOC to the east, and the Falerio DOC to the southeast. Additionally, it shares an area in the north with the Verdicchio di Matelica Riserva DOCG and Verdicchio di Matelica DOC.

The region's climate is a blend of continental and maritime influences. Inland areas exhibit continental characteristics with significant temperature variations between day and night, which help develop complex flavors in the grapes. Proximity to the Adriatic Sea provides a moderating effect, preventing extreme temperatures and ensuring a stable growing environment. The climate is marked by warm, dry summers and mild, wetter winters, with an annual rainfall averaging between 600 to 800 millimeters. In addition, the good ventilation of the hilly terrain reduces the risk of fungal diseases, promoting healthy vine growth.

The soils in Colli Maceratesi, on the other hand, are diverse. This DOC has calcareous clay, marl, sandstone and alluvial soils. Each of them have excellent drainage, and a great availability of minerals, which are key for a healthy development of the vines.

The main grape varieties cultivated in the Colli Maceratesi DOC include Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Ciliegiolo, Lacrima, Merlot, Montepulciano, Sangiovese, Vernaccia Nera, and Maceratino. These varieties thrive in the region's conducive climate and diverse soils, producing wines with unique characteristics.

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The Colli Maceratesi DOC, that encompasses the province of Macerata and parts of Ancona, is characterized by a varied and scenic landscape that stretches from the Adriatic coast to the foothills of the Apennine Mountains.

The landscape is predominantly hilly, with gentle rolling hills that provide the perfect background for viticulture. These hills have excellent drainage, and give the vines many hours of sunlight exposure, something key to cultivate high-quality grapes. The elevation of the vineyards usually does not exceed 450 meters, allowing for optimal growing conditions with a great balance between temperature and humidity.

In addition to the hills, the region is traversed by several rivers, including the Chienti and Potenza, which contribute to the diverse microclimates within the DOC. The presence of these rivers not only enhances the beauty of the landscape but also provides enough water for the vineyards, reducing the need for additional irrigation.

The proximity to the Adriatic Sea gives an unique maritime influence to the area, moderating the temperatures and reducing the risk of extreme weather conditions that could affect the healthy development of the vines. This maritime effect, combined with the inland continental climate, creates a balanced environment that supports the growth of a wide range of grapes.

Finally, the Colli Maceratesi landscape is also dotted with charming medieval towns and historical villages, such as Sforzacosta, Pollenza, Corridonia, and Tolentino, which add to the region's historical and cultural allure.

The climate of the Colli Maceratesi DOC is characterized by a harmonious blend of continental and maritime influences. This region, nestled between the Adriatic Sea and the Apennine Mountains, enjoys a unique climate that gives unique characteristics to the wines of the DOC.

Inland, the region has a continental climate, with great temperature variations between day and night. These fluctuations are beneficial for grape development, promoting the concentration of sugars and the development of complex flavors. This continental influence ensures that the vines experience warm days and cooler nights, which is ideal to obtain grapes with a great balance between sugars and acidity.

In addition, the proximity to the Adriatic Coast moderates the temperatures of Colli Maceratesi. The influence of the sea helps to mitigate extreme temperatures, preventing the vineyards from becoming too hot in the summer and too cold in the winter. This moderating effect ensures a stable growing environment, key for the consistent quality of the grapes.

Summers in the Colli Maceratesi DOC are warm and dry, providing ideal conditions for the ripening of the grapes. The warm temperatures and abundant sunlight during the growing season facilitate the photosynthesis process, leading to the development of healthy and robust vines. Winters, on the other hand, are mild and wetter, providing enough moisture to the soil without the risk of severe frost, which can be detrimental to the vines.

Rainfall in the region is moderate, averaging between 600 to 800 millimeters annually. This, coupled with the good drainage capacity of the soils of Colli Maceratesi, ensures that the vines receive enough water while avoiding waterlogging. The moderate rainfall supports vine health and prevents diseases that can arise from excessive moisture.

The combination of these climatic factors—moderate temperatures, balanced rainfall, and abundant sunlight—creates an ideal environment for viticulture in the Colli Maceratesi DOC.

The Colli Maceratesi DOC boasts a diverse range of soils that play a crucial role in the unique characteristics of its wines.

Calcareous Clay Soils: Calcareous clay soils are the most common within the Colli Maceratesi DOC. These soils are known for their excellent drainage and high mineral content, two characteristics that are essential for healthy vine growth. The clay helps to retain enough moisture, key during dry periods, while the calcium carbonate in the soil provides essential nutrients and maintains an optimal pH level for the vines. This combination supports the development of strong root systems and contributes to the complexity and structure of the wines produced.
Marl Soils: Marl soils, a mix of clay and limestone, are also common in the Colli Maceratesi DOC. These soils have good drainage and a great concentration of minerals that are essential for the vines. The presence of marl gives the soil great fertility, supporting robust vine growth and the development of wines with great balance. Finally, the limestone provides a great structure and nutrient availability to the soil, ensuring the vines receive consistent nourishment throughout the growing season.
Sandstone Soils: Sandstone soils, composed of sand and small amounts of clay and silt, are found in some parts of the Colli Maceratesi DOC. These soils have great drainage and prevent waterlogging, which is key for preventing root diseases. Sandstone soils also have a great warmth retention, promoting early vine growth in the spring and helping to extend the growing season. This soil type allows producers to craft fresh wines with intense aromas. ‍
Alluvial Soils: Alluvial soils, composed by sediments from rivers and streams, are found in the valley floors and lower slopes of the Colli Maceratesi DOC. These soils are fertile and have great drainage, making them ideal for vine cultivation. The mix of sand, silt, and clay in alluvial soils provides a balanced environment for vine growth, contributing to the production of wines with good structure and complexity.

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The Colli Maceratesi DOC is getting more recognizement thanks to the diverse range of grape varieties it produces, each thriving in the unique climatic and agricultural conditions of the area.

Cabernet Franc: Cabernet Franc thrives in the ventilated hills of the Colli Maceratesi, which provide moderate temperatures and enough sunlight for its growth. The grape requires well-drained soils to avoid waterlogging, something that could lead to root diseases. The region’s combination of continental and maritime climates ensures a great balance between humidity and dryness, ideal for the healthy development of this grape. If you want to learn more about the delicious Cabernet Franc varietal profile, check out our comprehensive in-depth profile.
Cabernet Sauvignon: Cabernet Sauvignon benefits from the sunny and temperate conditions of the Colli Maceratesi. It requires a long growing season to reach an ideal maturative cycle, something that this region provides. This grape thrives in soils with good drainage and moderate fertility, allowing Cabernet Sauvignon to develop deep root systems that support the vine’s health and productivity. If you want to learn more about the versatile food pairings for Cabernet Sauvignon wines, check out our in-depth profile.
Ciliegiolo: Ciliegiolo thrives in the warm and moderately humid climate of the Colli Maceratesi. This grape prefers fertile soils with good water retention, something that helps in maintaining the health of the vine during dry periods. The region’s altitude and ample sunlight provide optimal growing conditions for Ciliengiolo, ensuring consistent yields.
Lacrima: Lacrima requires specific climatic conditions that the Colli Maceratesi region provides. It thrives in areas with a mix of sunlight and moderate rainfall. In addition, this grape grows best in soils with good drainage, which are key to avoid waterlogging and ensure a healthy development for the vines. The balanced climate of this region helps to maintain the right levels of humidity and dryness that Lacrima needs.
Merlot: Merlot is another grape that adapts well to the climatic conditions of the Colli Maceratesi. It prefers cooler temperatures during the ripening period, which helps the grape to preserve its natural acidity. Regarding the soils, Merlot thrives in clay and limestone, which have a great water retention capacity and enough nutrients for an optimal development. If you want to learn more about the smooth profile of Merlot wines, check out our comprehensive in-depth profile.
Montepulciano: Montepulciano thrives in the temperate climate of the Colli Maceratesi. It requires a long growing season with plenty of sunlight to reach its full maturity. The grape grows best in well-drained soils with great fertility, something that helps to support its vigorous growth and high yields. The climate of this region provides a great balance between warmth and moisture, something that Montepulciano needs in order to have a healthy development.
Sangiovese: Sangiovese, a prominent grape within Colli Maceratesi, thrives in the diverse microclimates of this DOC. It requires soils with great drainage, enough sunlight and moderate rainfall to reach its full potential. The elevated areas of the region, which offer better ventilation, help to maintain the health of the vine, preventing diseases and ensuring the production of high-quality grapes. Learn more about the tradition behind Sangiovese wines in our comprehensive in-depth profile.
Vernaccia Nera: Vernaccia Nera thrives in the areas with better ventilation and sunlight exposure of Colli Maceratesi. It requires moderate rainfall and soils with good drainage to avoid excessive moisture. The grape benefits from the region’s mixed soil types, which provide the necessary nutrients and support for a healthy development of the vines.
Maceratino: Maceratino, also known as Ribona, is a local white grape variety that thrives in the unique terroir of the Colli Maceratesi. It requires many hours of sunlight and moderate rainfall to thrive, something that makes the climate of Colli Maceratesi ideal for this grape. The grape grows best in calcareous and clay soils, which offer good drainage and nutrient availability, something that is key for its development.

These grape varieties contribute to the rich winemaking tradition of the Colli Maceratesi DOC, each adapted to the specific climate and soils of the region.

The Colli Maceratesi DOC is slowly getting recognizement for its diverse range of red and white wines. crafted from a wide range of grapes that thrive in the unique terroir of the region.

Bianco: Bianco are white wines crafted mainly from the Maceratino grape, with up to 30% of other white grapes like Chardonnay, Grechetto, Incrocio Bruni 54, Malvasia, Pecorino, Sauvignon Blanc, Trebbiano, and Verdicchio. These white wines usually have a light straw-yellow color and shows delicate floral and fruity aromas, while on the palate they show flavors of green apple and peach. Colli Maceratesi's Bianco wines stand out for their refreshing acidity and crisp finish. Learn more about the fruitness of Sauvignon Blanc or the richness of Chardonnay in our comprehensive in-depth profiles.
Ribona: Ribona, also known as Maceratino, are white wines crafted from at least 85% Maceratino grapes. These wines have an attractive golden color and show an aromatic bouquet of white flowers and citrus fruits. On the palate, these white wines have a balanced profile with flavors of ripe pear and apple, complemented by a subtle mineral undertone. Ribona is a white wine especially renowned for its smooth texture and lively acidity, which makes it a great choice to pair with a wide range of foods.
Rosso: Rosso is a red wine blend that must contain at least 50% Sangiovese, with the remaining 50% made up of Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Ciliegiolo, Lacrima, Merlot, and Montepulciano. These red wines have a deep ruby red color and a complex aromatic profile that showcase dark cherries and blackberries coupled with subtle spice notes. In the mouth, they are rich and full-bodied, with a great balance between tannins and acidity that leads to a long and smooth finish. Learn more about the bold character of Cabernet Sauvignon wines in our comprehensive in-depth profile.
Sangiovese: Sangiovese is made from at least 85% Sangiovese grapes. These red wines are characterized by their bright red color and aromatic notes of red cherries and violets, with hints of fresh herbaceous notes. In the palate, on the other hand, these wines showcase flavors such as tart cherry and plum, with a touch of earthy undertones, coupled with firm tannins that gives these wines structure and a refreshing acidity that makes them an excellent option to pair with different dishes.
Novello: Novello are youthful red wines made primarily from Sangiovese and other red grape varieties.This wine produced using carbonic maceration, which gives it a vibrant ruby color and a fresh aromatic bouquet of red berries coupled with floral notes. On the palate, these red wines show a light body and a fresh profile, with flavor notes of raspberry and strawberry, coupled with a hint of spice that leads to a pleasant finish.
Riserva: Riserva are high-quality red wines that must be aged for at least 24 months, including a minimum of 3 months in barrel. They are crafted from the same grape varieties as Rosso, with Sangiovese being the dominant grape. Riserva wines have a deep garnet color and complex aromas of dried fruits, leather, and spices. On the palate, they have a rich body and great structure, with flavors of black cherry, plum, and a touch of oak in aged versions, while the finish is long and elegant.
Spumante: Spumante is a sparkling wine that can be crafted from different white wine grapes, such as Maceratino, Chardonnay, and Sauvignon Blanc. It has a fine and persistent aromatic bouquet that combines floral and fruity aromas. On the palate, this wine is crisp and refreshing, showcasing notes of green apple, citrus, and a hint of yeast, making it an excellent choice for celebrations and aperitifs.
Passito: Passito is a dessert wine crafted from dried grapes, mostly composed of the Maceratino variety. This wine has a rich amber color and intense aromas of dried apricots, honey, and nuts. On the palate, this wine has a luscious and sweet profile, with notes of candied fruit, caramel, and a touch of spice, balanced by a good acidity that prevents it from being overly cloying. Passito is often enjoyed with desserts or as a sweet finish to a meal.

These red and white wines from the Colli Maceratesi DOC showcase the rich winemaking tradition of the region, as well as the unique characteristics of its terroir.

Colli Maceratesi DOC

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