2011 Camerte

La Monacesca, one of the best producers of Verdicchio wines, takes its name from the Benedictine monks who arrived in the area of Matelica in the 10th century, building a monastery (monaco, or monk in English, hence La Monacesca). The estate was founded in 1966, and the passionate Aldo Cifola now runs the estate’s roughly 30 hectares. Through the years, La Monacesca has produced some of Italy’s greatest white wines, especially the Riserva Mirum, which boasts texture and precision not unlike that of a grand cru white Burgundy. The estate also produces a red wine (Camerte) and even a Chardonnay (only in the best years), and although both are above average compared to similar wines made elsewhere in the Marche, Verdicchio is the name of the game here. La Monacesca’s was probably the best line-up of wines I tasted from the Marche this year.