Discover the Esino DOC wine sub-region of Italy

about this subregion

The Esino DOC, located in the Marche wine region of central Italy, offers a unique environment for viticulture. This DOC is bordered by Colli Pesaresi DOC to the north, Verdicchio di Matelica DOC, Colli Maceratesi DOC, and Verdicchio di Matelica Riserva DOCG to the south, and Castelli di Jesi Verdicchio Riserva DOCG and Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi DOC to the east.

The climate in the Esino DOC is characterized by hot, sunny summers and cool winters, with great temperature variations between day and night, ideal for grape growing. The Adriatic Sea moderates the summer heat, providing cooling breezes that help maintain the acidity and freshness of the grapes. The region receives moderate annual rainfall, averaging between 800 and 1,000 millimeters annually, with the wettest period being autumn. This balanced climate supports the growth of both white and red grape varieties.

The soils of the Esino DOC are diverse, the most common being calcareous, clay, and limestone-rich soils. Calcareous soils offer excellent drainage and contribute to the minerality and acidity of the wines. Clay soils have a great moisture retentionl, providing a consistent water supply during dry periods, which is particularly beneficial for robust grape varieties. Finally, limestone-rich soils enhance the structure and aging potential of the wines, contributing to their complexity and balance.

The main grape varieties grown in the Esino DOC are Verdicchio, known for its crisp and refreshing qualities, Montepulciano, and Sangiovese. These varieties thrive in the region's favorable climatic and soil conditions, producing wines with unique characteristics.

Discover Terroir

The Esino DOC features a diverse and picturesque landscape. This region encompasses the provinces of Ancona and parts of Macerata, and its characterized by rolling hills, gentle slopes, and valleys. The landscape is dominated by vineyards that stretch across these undulating terrains, providing a scenic background for travellers.

One of the notable features of the Esino DOC landscape is its proximity to the Adriatic Sea and the Apennine mountains. This creates a diverse topography that includes coastal areas, hilly terrains, and mountainous regions. The hills provide excellent conditions for viticulture, with vineyards often situated at altitudes ranging from 160 to 250 meters above sea level. These hills not only offer ideal growing conditions for grapevines but also contribute to the aesthetic appeal of the region, thanks to their lush greenery .

In addition, the medieval towns and villages located within the region add to the charm of the landscape. These historic settlements, such as Montecarotto and Jesi, are often situated on hilltops, offering panoramic views of the surrounding vineyards and countryside. Finally, the Esino River, which flows through the region, provides a natural feature that complements the agricultural and rural setting.

The Esino DOC enjoys a temperate climate that is influenced by its proximity to both the Adriatic Sea and the Apennine Mountains. This uniquue location results in a variety of microclimates within the region, creating ideal conditions for viticulture.

Summers in the Esino DOC are typically hot and sunny, with temperatures often reaching up to 28°C (82°F) in July and August. The warm temperatures of the summer are moderated by breezes from the Adriatic Sea, which provide a cooling effect very beneficial for the vineyards. These sea breezes ensure that the nights are cooler, creating a greattemperature variation that allows to obtain grapes with high levels of natural sugar and acidity.

Winters, on the other hand, are cold, especially in the hilly and mountainous areas. Temperatures in January can drop to around 6°C (43°F), and the region occasionally experiences cold winds from the northeast, which can bring significant snowfall in the higher areas. This cold period is key for the dormancy of the vines, helping to reset their growth cycle for the next season.

The Esino DOC receives moderate annual rainfall, averaging between 800 and 1,000 millimeters annually (31 to 40 inches). The distribution of rainfall is uneven throughout the year, with the autumn months typically being the wettest. This seasonal precipitation helps to replenish the soil moisture after the dry summer months, providing the necessary water reserves for the vines. On the other hand, summer months are the driest. This helps to reduce the risk of fungal diseases in the vineyards.

The Esino DOC boasts a wide range of soil types that impart unique characteristics to the grapes. The most common soil types are calcareous, clayey and limestone.

Calcareous Soils: Calcareous soils are rich in calcium carbonate and are among the most common in the Esino DOC. These soils have great drainage, which helps prevent waterlogging and promotes deep root growth. The high calcium content gives as a result wines with higher acidity and a signature minerality, imparting a crisp and refreshing quality profile.
Clay Soils: Clay soils are another common type in the Esino DOC. These soils are known for their excellent water retention capabilities, which is key during the dry summer months. The ability to retain moisture ensures that the vines receive enough water, promoting steady grape development. In addition, clay soils are rich in nutrients, supporting the growth of robust vines and producing grapes with deep flavors and strong tannic structures. This soil type is particularly beneficial for red grape varieties like Montepulciano and Sangiovese.‍
Limestone-Rich Soils: Limestone-rich soils are also found in the Esino DOC. These soils have a great drainage, and allow to produce wines with a great structure and aging potential. In addition, limestone influences the aromatic profile of the wines, making them more complex, elegant and balanced.

Discover

The Esino DOC is renowned for the production of wine from three main grapes: Verdicchio, Montepulciano, and Sangiovese.

Verdicchio: Verdicchio is a white grape variety that thrives in the hilly geography of the Esino DOC. It requires well-drained, calcareous soils that provide essential nutrients and also prevent waterlogging. The grape benefits from the temperate climate of the Marche region, which offers warm summers and mild winters. This grape requires enough sunshine to develop optimal sugar levels, while the moderate rainfall ensures enough hydration without the risk of fungal diseases. The natural ventilation provided by the breezes from the Adriatic Sea helps to maintain the health of the vineyards by reducing humidity levels.
Montepulciano: Montepulciano is a red grape variety that prefers the fertile, clay-limestone soils found in the Esino DOC. This grape thrives in the temperate climate of the region, which provides enough heat during the growing season and cool temperatures at night, helping to develop grapes with balanced acidity. Montepulciano vines require enough sunlight to mature properly, which helps to achieve a high concentration of natural sugars in the grapes. The grape also benefits from the moderate rainfall in the region, which supports steady growth and reduces the need for additional irrigation. Finally, the hilly topography ensures good drainage and protects the vines from excessive moisture.
Sangiovese: Sangiovese, another red grape variety, thrives in the diverse soils of the region. This grape requires a long growing season with plenty of sunshine to fully ripen. The temperate climate of the Marche region, characterized by hot summers and mild winters, is ideal for Sangiovese. In addition, the moderate rainfall during the spring and autumn months ensures that the vines have enough water for a healthy growth, while the warm, dry summers help to prevent fungal diseases. Finally, the altitude and slope of the vineyards help to regulate the temperatures and provide excellent drainage to the vines.

These grape varieties reflect the rich agricultural traditions and favorable growing conditions of the Esino DOC, contributing to the region's reputation for producing high-quality wines.

The Esino DOC is renowned for its signature wines, which are Esino Bianco, Esino Rosso, and Esino Novello.

Esino Bianco: Esino Bianco is a white wine composed with at least 50% of Verdicchio grapes, often blended with other local white varieties. This wine is renowned for its fresh and vibrant aromas of green apple, citrus, and almond. On the palate, it delivers a crisp acidity that enhances its flavors of lemonand pear, coupled with a hint of minerality. This wine is very refreshing,something that makes it a great choice for pairing with seafood and light pasta dishes.
Esino Rosso: Esino Rosso is a red wine crafted with at least 60% of Sangiovese and Montepulciano grapes. It has rich aromas of red berries, cherries, and plums, coupled by subtle spice and earthy undertones. On the palate, this wine is very balanced, has a medium body, and features juicy red fruit flavors and soft tannins that leads to a smooth finish. This versatile red wine pairs well with a wide range of dishes, including grilled meats, pasta with tomato-based sauces, and aged cheeses.
Esino Novello: Esino Novello is a youthful red wine with the same grape composition of Esino Rosso. Renowned for its fresh and lively aromas, this wine showcase scents of fresh strawberries, raspberries, and floral notes.On the palate, this wine is light and fruity, with vibrant flavors of red berries and a touch of spice. Its low tannic content makes it an easy to drink wine, perfect to enjoy with charcuterie, light appetizers, and during casual gatherings.

Esino DOC

Associations

Discover Terroir

Discover