2007 Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi Classico Superiore Macrina

Brilliantly run by brothers Carlo and Gianfranco, who are now helped out by their children, Garofoli is one of the most dependable names in Italian wine. Though the estate makes over two million bottles, the quality is consistently high and the Garofolis have a long list of firsts to their credit, including making the first Charmat-style sparklers from the high-acid verdicchio grape back in the '50s and the first Metodo Classico in 1974. More important, they were among the first to believe in the great potential of verdicchio, experimenting with over 160 clones and sub-varieties throughout the years. The results speak for themselves, with the Podium bottling consistently one of Italy's best white wines. It also ages well, with six- to eight-year old bottles still in fine shape. Also recommended: 2004 Brut Reserve Metodo Classico Marche (85), 2007 Serra del Conte Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi Classico Superiore (85), 2007 Komaros Marche Rosato (86), 2007 Farnio Rosso Piceno (86), 2004 Brumato Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi Passito (86). Other wines tasted: NV Garofoli Brut Metodo Charmat Marche, NV Dorato Marche Dolce.