2016 Verdicchio di Matelica Riserva Jera

This was a really impressive showing from Borgo Paglianetto across the board, a producer that really proves the importance of place and Matelica Verdicchio in general. The winery now tends to 27 hectares of vines, 80% of which is Verdicchio, from around the town of Matelica. These are split up between three distinct locations, all between 320 to 380 meters above sea level but in varying expositions from south to west to north, planted in clay soils rich in chalky limestone. They are certified organic; and after a stint of working toward Biodynamic principles, they decided it was best to stay the previous course. Yet to this day there’s a focus to reduce copper and sulfur through the process. The “winemaking” is as low-impact as possible. All aging for Verdicchio is completed in stainless steel from as little as four months to as much as eighteen, and fermentation is split between ambient and selected yeast decided by the vineyard, and with the end goal of assuring that alcohol levels don’t push too high. The balance of structure, power and mineral intensity of these wines really makes them stand out and assures a steady evolution in our cellars as well.