At a glance

Producer

ColleStefano

Region

Matelica, Marche, Italy

Grape variety

Verdicchio

Wine type

White

Body

Light-bodied and Crisp

Sweetness

Dry

Typical price

$22-$35 USD (secondary market, as original release is sold out)

Tasting profile

Muted stone fruit (pear, peach), dried apricot, honey, almond, faint herbaceous note. Acidity remains, some nutty tertiary evolution. Aromatics are softer than in youth.

Evolution: Originally citrus and green apple-driven, shifting to dried yellow fruits, nuts, and honey with age. Complexity increases but vibrancy diminishes over time.

At peak: Peak was around 2014-2016, showing bright fruit, minerality, lively acidity, and floral notes. Older bottles now offer more subtlety and nutty depth.

Structure

Acidity

Medium-high (typical for Verdicchio di Matelica; key to ageability)

Tannins

None (white wine)

Alcohol

12.5% ABV (typical for this wine)

Aging potential

Short to mid-term (3–7 years in peak storage, up to 10 under ideal conditions)

Drinking window

Peak drinking

2014 to 2016

Optimal window

2013 to 2017

Current status

Drink now; past optimal window but still holds interest

Current condition

Mature; fresh acidity may remain, with some tertiary notes; expect muted fruit, possible nutty and honeyed development, but risk of oxidation in some bottles

ColleStefano Verdicchio di Matelica is known for freshness and purity; it is best enjoyed within 3–5 years of release for optimal aromatics and structure. With ideal cellaring, it can show interesting secondary aromas (honeyed, almond, slight spice) up to 8–10 years, but will lose primary fruit over time.

Food pairing

Aged Verdicchio pairs well with grilled white fish, shellfish, aged semi-hard cheeses (e.g., Pecorino), poultry with lemon and herbs, or vegetable risottos.

Serving

Decant

Not required

Sustainability

Sustainability score: 9/10

Organic viticulture, no synthetic pesticides/herbicides, use of green manure and cover crops, composting, solar panels for winery energy needs, gravity-fed water system, lightweight recycled glass bottles, cork closures from sustainable sources.

ColleStefano is a benchmark for sustainable Verdicchio. Family-owned, organic since the mid-1990s, and uses advanced eco-friendly vineyard practices. Minimal intervention winemaking, focus on biodiversity, and strong emphasis on renewable energy (solar paneling) set a high sustainability standard. Packaging also reflects eco-awareness. Carbon footprint is low compared with most international wines in the category, making it a top choice for environmentally conscious consumers.