Osimo
Province of Ancona
Established: 1957
Owners: Bernetti family
Winemakers: Giacomo Mattioli & Beppe Caviola
Production: 3,300,000 bottles
Hectares under vine: 230
Viticulture: Conventional
The Bernetti family of Umani Ronchi hold over 200 hectares of prime vineyards, 110 in Verdicchio Classico, 60 in Rosso Conero and 30 in the prestigious ‘Colline Teramane’ in Abruzzo, the region’s first DOCG appellation. Piedmontese oenologist Beppe Caviola heads a three-strong oenological team that is taking Umani Ronchi into the future, having received a healthy legacy from retired consultant Giacomo Tachis.
Vini Bianchi
The Verdicchio grape was established here in the 14th century, and in the hills surrounding Jesi, enjoys long hours of sunshine, cool nights and sea breezes from the Adriatic. The three Verdicchios represent three interpretations of this versatile variety, much underrated and undervalued in our opinion. ‘Villa Bianchi’, named for the farmhouse on the property (and a great place to stay) is racy and refreshing. ‘Casal di Serra’, the flagship Verdicchio first made in 1983, spends some time on lees to develop richness and texture.
Casal di Serra Vecchie Vigne (this vintage won a Tre Bicchieri) is from the oldest vines from the Montecarotto vineyard, first planted in the 1970s. The harvest here is quite late, usually around mid-October, and a slight over ripening of the grapes is encouraged. The wine is fermented on its natural yeasts with partial skin contact and aged in concrete and stainless only. It is complex with notes of camomile, apricot, sage and hazelnut, the rich and full bodied palate balanced with verdicchio’s typical freshness.
Finally, Maximo is a botrytised Sauvignon with figs, ripe apple, candied citrus and dried flowers on the nose followed by an unctuously rich palate.
Wines
Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi DOC ‘Villa Bianchi’
Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi DOC ‘Casal di Serra’
Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi DOC ‘Casal di Serra’ Vecchie Vigne
Maximo IGT375ml