Discover the I Terreni di Sanseverino DOC wine sub-region of Italy

about this subregion

The I Terreni di Sanseverino DOC, located in the Marche (Le Marche) wine region of central Italy, is renowned for its high-quality red wines. This DOC is situated in the province of Macerata, specifically within the municipality of San Severino Marche. The region is characterized by its picturesque hilly terrain, which provides excellent conditions for viticulture. The DOC borders the Vernaccia di Serrapetrona DOCG and Serrapetrona DOC to the west and the San Ginesio DOC to the south. In addition, shares an area with the Rosso Piceno DOC.

The climate in the I Terreni di Sanseverino DOC is Mediterranean, with warm, dry summers and mild, wet winters. This climate is ideal for grape growing, providing sufficient moisture during the growing season while preventing excessive humidity that can lead to vine diseases. The vineyards, located at elevations up to 500 meters above sea level, benefit from significant diurnal temperature variations, which are crucial for the development of complex flavors in the grapes.

The soils in this region are diverse, including clay, limestone, and sandy soils. Clay soils offer excellent water retention, providing consistent moisture to the vines. Limestone soils contribute to the mineral complexity of the wines and help regulate temperature around the vine roots. Sandy soils ensure good drainage and promote early warming in the spring, which benefits grape maturation.

The main grape varieties grown in the I Terreni di Sanseverino DOC are Montepulciano and Vernaccia Nera. These varieties thrive in the region's unique combination of climate and soil, producing robust and flavorful wines that are a true expression of their terroir.

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The I Terreni di Sanseverino DOC features a picturesque and varied landscape that significantly influences its viticulture. This DOC encompasses the municipality of San Severino Marche in the province of Macerata, known for its rolling hills and scenic vistas.

The landscape is characterized by its hilly terrain, which is part of the broader Apennine mountain range. These hills provide an ideal setting for vineyards, offering diverse elevations and exposures that contribute to the unique terroir of the region. The vineyards are often situated on gentle slopes that ensure good drainage and optimal sun exposure, essential for the cultivation of high-quality grapes.

In addition to the hills, the region's proximity to the Adriatic Sea and the Sibillini Mountains adds to the diversity of the landscape. This geographical setting creates a series of microclimates within the vineyards, enhancing the complexity and distinctiveness of the wines produced. The natural beauty of the area, with its combination of agricultural land, vineyards, and historic towns, adds to the charm and appeal of the I Terreni di Sanseverino DOC.

This picturesque environment not only supports the growth of the primary grape varieties like Montepulciano and Vernaccia Nera but also makes the region an attractive destination for wine tourism, offering visitors a chance to experience the rich cultural and natural heritage of the Marche region.

The I Terreni di Sanseverino DOC experiences a climate that is conducive to high-quality viticulture. The region benefits from a Mediterranean climate, characterized by warm, dry summers and mild, wet winters. This climate is ideal for grape growing, as it provides sufficient moisture during the growing season and prevents excessive humidity that could lead to vine diseases.

The vineyards are located at elevations up to 500 meters (1,640 feet) above sea level, which helps in creating significant diurnal temperature variations. These variations are crucial as they allow the grapes to cool down at night after hot days, aiding in the development of complex flavors and maintaining acidity in the grapes.

Additionally, the proximity to both the Adriatic Sea and the Sibillini Mountains influences the microclimate, providing cooling breezes that further enhance the growing conditions. The region's hilly terrain also contributes to the excellent drainage properties of the vineyards, ensuring that the vines do not suffer from waterlogging.

These climatic factors, combined with the unique landscape, make the I Terreni di Sanseverino DOC an ideal area for producing robust and flavorful wines, particularly those made from Montepulciano and Vernaccia Nera grapes.

The I Terreni di Sanseverino DOC features diverse soil types that play a crucial role in the quality and characteristics of its wines. The most common soils in this region are clay, limestone, and sandy soils:

Clay Soils: Clay soils in the I Terreni di Sanseverino DOC are known for their excellent water retention capabilities. These soils are rich in nutrients, which are essential for the vigorous growth of grapevines. The clay helps maintain a stable moisture level, especially beneficial during the dry summer months, ensuring that the vines have a consistent water supply.
Limestone Soils: Limestone soils, high in calcium carbonate, are another significant soil type in this DOC. These soils are well-drained and help regulate the temperature around the vine roots, which is critical for the development of grape flavors. Limestone soils also contribute to the mineral complexity of the wines, enhancing their structure and longevity.‍
Sandy Soils: Sandy soils are also found in parts of the I Terreni di Sanseverino DOC. These soils offer excellent drainage and warm up quickly in the spring, providing a favorable start to the growing season. Sandy soils tend to produce grapes with higher concentrations of sugar and flavor, contributing to the richness and depth of the wines.

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The I Terreni di Sanseverino DOC is known for producing high-quality red wines primarily from the Montepulciano and Vernaccia Nera grape varieties.

Montepulciano: Montepulciano is a robust grape variety that thrives in the hilly terrains of the Marche region. It requires well-drained soils, often preferring clay-loam or calcareous soils that provide the necessary nutrients and drainage to prevent waterlogging. The vines benefit from the region's Mediterranean climate, characterized by warm, dry summers and mild, wet winters. Montepulciano vines are typically planted at elevations up to 500 meters, where the temperature variations between day and night help in the even ripening of the grapes. This grape variety is known for its adaptability to different soil types and its ability to produce high yields, making it a reliable choice for winemakers in the I Terreni di Sanseverino DOC.
Vernaccia Nera: Vernaccia Nera is another prominent grape variety in the I Terreni di Sanseverino DOC. This grape requires well-drained, fertile soils, often thriving in calcareous or sandy soils that provide a good balance of moisture and aeration. The Mediterranean climate of the region, with its warm, dry summers and adequate annual rainfall of about 800 to 900 millimeters, supports the healthy growth of Vernaccia Nera vines. These vines are typically cultivated at similar elevations as Montepulciano, benefiting from the diurnal temperature variations that enhance the development of the grapes. Vernaccia Nera vines are usually trained using the Guyot system, which helps manage the vine growth and improves sun exposure and air circulation, crucial for maintaining vine health and productivity.

The I Terreni di Sanseverino DOC is renowned for its production of diverse and high-quality wines. The signature wines from this DOC are Rosso, Moro, Superiore, and Passito.

Rosso: Rosso from the I Terreni di Sanseverino DOC is a red wine that showcases a blend dominated by Vernaccia Nera, comprising at least 50% of its composition. This wine exhibits a vibrant and deep ruby color. The aromatic profile is rich with notes of red berries, cherries, and subtle hints of spice. On the palate, Rosso is well-structured, offering flavors of ripe fruit, balanced acidity, and a smooth, lingering finish. The combination of fruit and spice creates a harmonious and enjoyable wine that is versatile for various pairings.
Moro: Moro is a red wine that features a higher percentage of Montepulciano, with at least 60% of this grape in its blend. The wine is known for its intense and deep color. Aromatically, Moro is rich and complex, presenting notes of dark fruits like blackberries and plums, along with hints of tobacco and leather. The flavor profile is robust and full-bodied, with well-integrated tannins and a long, satisfying finish. The depth and complexity of Moro make it a standout wine, ideal for hearty meals and special occasions.
Superiore: Superiore is a premium red wine from the I Terreni di Sanseverino DOC, often crafted from a carefully selected blend of Montepulciano and Vernaccia Nera. This wine is aged longer to develop more nuanced flavors and aromas. Superiore displays a deep garnet color and offers an elegant bouquet of dark berries, spices, and earthy undertones. On the palate, it is rich and velvety, with layers of flavor that include ripe fruit, cocoa, and a touch of vanilla from the oak aging. The wine's well-rounded structure and refined tannins contribute to a long, complex finish.
Passito: Passito is a dessert wine made from Vernaccia Nera grapes that are dried to concentrate their sugars and flavors. This wine has a luscious amber color and exudes an aromatic profile of dried fruits, honey, and caramel. The flavor is sweet and opulent, with notes of fig, apricot, and a hint of nuttiness. Passito's rich texture and balanced sweetness make it an excellent accompaniment to desserts or as a stand-alone indulgence. The wine's complexity and richness are a testament to the meticulous winemaking process involved in its production.

I Terreni di Sanseverino DOC

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