Borgo Paglianetto 2023 Verdicchio di Matelica "Petrara", Marche, Italy

In the Marche along the Adriatic coast, if you jump over the first set of hills, you'll find a beautiful little north-west running valley called Matelica. Smaller and cooler, this region produces a different sort of Verdicchio where wines are lean, fresh, and mineral driven. 

This month, try two bottlings from Borgo Paglianetto, a relatively young property created from the merge of two older estates. 

First up, the "Petrara" which is from a single organically-farmed vineyard facing dead South. Harvested somewhat later and riper this wine has a more solar feel. However, it's incredibly generous and pure with aromatics that all but leap from the glass offering unmistakable notes a lemon and lemon blossom. Layers of fresh yellow citrus comprise the palate offering zippy acidity, ample weight, and a bit of that characteristic mineral smack. The name of the game here is balance and pleasure. So drinkable, and down right delicious. Drink now with fried olives or Pasta alle Vongole with Shrimp and have classic Italian weeknight. Careful not to get addicted.