Colli Maceratesi Wine Region

The highly regarded sub-region of Colli Maceratesi offers a wide array of wines in different styles, known worldwide for their class and distinction. As you embark on your travels through the wine region of Marche, where Colli Maceratesi DOC is located, we encourage you to explore these exemplary wines. Colli Maceratesi’s quintessential styles of red and white wines are set apart from the rest due to its soil types, the selection of grape varieties grown, and the specific production methods of winemakers in the area. These elements define a style of wine found nowhere else in Italy or the world.

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Where is the Colli Maceratesi wine region located?

Colli Maceratesi is a sub-region of the larger Marche wine region, in eastern Italy, stretching from the Adriatic coast right up to the Apennines Mountains. The river of Chianti is in proximity. The neighbouring wine appellations are Falerio, I Terreni Di San Severino, Rosso Piceno, Rosso Conero and Offida. The nearest towns around are Sforzacosta, Pollenza, Corridonia and Tolentino.

The history of Colli Maceratesi wine region

Colli Maceratesi DOC was established in 1975, although wines in this area have been produced for centuries; first, the appellation was producing exclusively white wines, but then, in 2001, it added red wines to its production list as well. Colli Maceratesi wines might not spring to your mind straight away as they are not as famous as other Italian wines, still, they are very featured and extremely diverse in the style. They are also gastronomy-friendly, which creates a big cultural thing. 

Colli Maceratesi wine appellation terroir

Being located 30 kilometres away from the Adriatic Sea, Colli Maceratesi wine appellation is characterized by the continental climate, with a maritime influence and abundant sunlight hours, which is best suited to wine production, especially red. The maximum altitude the vines sit at is 450 metres. The area of Colli Maceratesi DOC is neither humid nor too sunny, which creates the perfect conditions for growing quality grapes and getting the unique taste, that the local wines feature.

Wines of Colli Maceratesi DOC

Colli Maceratesi DOC produces various styles of red and white wines, they can be Spumante, meaning sparkling, Passito meaning sweet or dessert wine and youthful-style Novello. 50% of grapes for Novello must undergo carbonic maceration. The main grape to produce white wine is local variety Maceratino with two sub-varieteis of Ribona and Montecchiese; however other varieties like Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Trebbiano and Marche's top grape, Verdicchio are also accepted. The blend of white wine must comprise at least 70% of Maceratino and the rest of other authorized grape varieties. The minimum alcohol level in Colli Maceratesi whites must be 11%; these wines are transparent, refreshing and moderately acidic, have golden colour and fruity-floral flavours of peach and green apple.Colli Maceratesi red is based on Sangiovese grapes, which they must contain at least 50% in blend, the remaining 50% is allotted to any combination of Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Ciliegiolo, Lacrima, Merlot or Montepulciano. Colli Maceratesi Rosso is ruby red with intense dark-fruit flavours of cherries and black currants and minimum alcohol level of 11.5%. For Colli Maceratesi Riserva the minimum alcohol content is 12.5% and 14% for Passito; they must be aged for minimum 24 months, including 3 months in barrel. 

Food to pair with Colli Maceratesi wine

Brodetto alla recanatese

Brodetto alla recanatese is an Italian seafood stew, originating from Macerata; it is made from the combination of sautéed d onions in olive oil, cuttlefish, mullet, gurnard, cod, monkfish, sole, mantis shrimp, white wine, pepper, and saffron which is a key ingredient here. The stew is simmered until everything is fully cooked and then served with fresh and crispy baguette to mop the flavourful sauce. This succulent seafood dish pairs exceptionally well to local white wine, for example Colli Maceratesi Ribona. 

Vincisgrassi

Vincisgrassi is a Marche-style lasagna, made from the layers of pasta in ragù and béchamel sauce with pancetta, prosciutto, onions, garlic, and tomato purée. Still this dish is highly customizable, and the crude meat can be replaced by minced beef or chicken giblets and veggies like celery, carrot and mushrooms can be added, accordingly. Topped with generous amount of grated Parmigiano cheese and then baked until golden, this cheesy and mouth-watering delicacy is excellent to pair with Colli Maceratesi red wine.

Olive Ascolane

Olive Ascolane are exotic Italian appetizers, originating from the Marche region. They are stuffed local green olives with kinds of sautéed meat: chicken, veal, and pork, then bathed in breadcrumbs and grated Parmesan and deep-fried. This traditional snack, full of flavour, is quite addictive and along with other appetizers is the best accompaniment for any Colli Maceratesi wine.

Places to visit in Colli Maceratesi wine region

Macerata - The Sferisterio

Built by private subscription in 1820, the Sferisterio is an open-air stadium in neoclassical style in the city of Macerata. Originally built as a stadium, it was used for Pallone col bracciale. The site has been used for episodic theatrical events since 1871, however since 1914 they began to have opera performances there. Now the “Macerata Opera Festival” takes place there, the sound is surprisingly good and unique.

Macerata- The Civic Tower

The Civic Tower is one of Macerata's most famous buildings and a symbol of the town. It was originally designed by military architect Galasso Alghisi da Carpi in the 15th century, Matteo d'Ancona was the one who started its construction in 1492, still the tower was finished in 1653. The tower is also one of the oldest existing examples of this type of architecture in the region. From its height, which is 64 metres high, you can see a panoramic view of the Sibillini mountains, out to the Adriatic Sea and all the villages nearby. The tower also features the astronomical clock, designed by Alberto Gorla and a moving statue of the three wise men worshipping the Virgin Mary and the Child Jesus.

Lauro Rossi Theatre

The original theatre in Macerata was designed by Cosimo Morelli in 1769 and offers a small-scale version of the original design. The building, spanning just a fraction of the space which was originally given to him, accommodates various functions with minimal alteration. The work was completed in 1772 even though the opening only occurred two years later. The auditorium is notable for its refined late Baroque style and contains three tiers of boxes with decorative balconies and rave reviews. There have been several amendments later, and the addition of the exquisite double staircase is one of them. The theatre in Macerata is by far the only example of Italian theatre in the Marche region, and is a key example of that style.

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