Santa Barbara Estate Verdicchio dei Castelli dei Jesi Classico "Le Vaglie" 2021

Alcohol: 13%

Grape(s): 100% Verdicchio

Localization: Marche, Italy

Tasting Notes: "Le Vaglie" was created in 1992, with the twofold intention of diverging from the classic frameworks of traditional Verdicchio while at the same time paying tribute to the winemaking history of the Marche region. The experiment was undoubtedly successful, presenting a wine with the typical almond aromas and flavors that also surprises with complexity and captivating freshness. Bright pale yellow with a slight tinge of gold. Intense and persistent nose exhaling floral scents, with citrus fruit and fresh almonds.

The Domain: The Santa Barbara estate, owned by famed winemaker Stefano Antonucci, is in the small village of Barbara, about 25 miles due west of Marche’s capital and chief port, Ancona. When Stefano’s father needed a larger facility, the only suitable building available in Barbara was the old convent named Santa Barbara after an early Roman Christian martyr. That’s how the winery got its name; there’s no connection with California.