Le Marche: Italy’s Best-Kept Secret
6-Bottle Sampler
by Anthony Lynch
Italy is full of treasures, and we’ve scoured its backroads to bring you great wines from up and down the boot. So, to claim that Le Marche is the country’s best-kept secret is not something I take lightly. But this central region, tucked between Appennine peaks and Adriatic waters, has everything one could ask for: a long coastline dotted with gorgeous beaches and bustling villages, pristine scenery in its mountains and bucolic rolling hills, an irresistible cuisine with specialties from both land and sea, and, of course, delicious wines galore. Best of all, it remains under the radar, meaning fewer crowds for travelers and, crucially, great value to reward curious palates.
With this sampler of wines from Le Marche, we hope to let you in on the secret. Two Verdicchios showcase the region’s star grape variety, whose mouthwatering verve and food-friendly nature shine across a range of styles. The red wines—and one breezy rosato—feature Montepulciano and some Sangiovese, with terroir-driven expressions distinct from their respective counterparts in neighboring Abruzzo and Tuscany. Finally, the heady Lacrima perfectly highlights the charm of Le Marche in a singular and delightfully aromatic way.