What kind of wine is Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi Classico Riserva DOCG 'Il Cantico della Figura' 2017 Magnum - Felici (boxed)
The Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi Classico Riserva DOCG 'Il Cantico della Figura' 2017 Magnum - Felici (boxed) is a structured and elegant white wine, an authentic expression of the Marche hills. It originates from the historic San Francesco vineyard, in Apiro, from vines over fifty years old rooted in mineral-rich soils, giving the wine a unique personality. The grape variety is, of course, Verdicchio, one of Italy's most representative white varieties: fresh, harmonious, with a perfect balance between structure and acidity.
The name “Il Cantico della Figura” combines two symbolic elements of the territory: “La Figura,” a church in Apiro dedicated to Our Lady of Mercy, and “Il Cantico,” a poetic reference to St. Francis of Assisi's connection with nature. This combination encapsulates the very essence of the wine: spirituality, territory, and respect for the agricultural tradition of Marche.
Vintage Details
The 2017 vintage was characterized by warm and dry weather, with a regular spring followed by a sunny summer. These conditions favored healthy and ripe bunches, concentrating aromas and ensuring perfect phenolic ripening of the grapes. The temperature excursions between day and night then preserved freshness, a key element for a balanced and long-lived Verdicchio.
Winemaking and Aging
Winemaking follows a respectful and minimalist approach. The grapes are hand-picked and subjected to soft pressing, to extract only the free-run must, the purest part of the juice. Fermentation takes place in temperature-controlled concrete tanks, a material that allows for natural micro-oxygenation without aromatic interference. The wine ages for 12 months in concrete and additional months in bottle, developing complexity and harmony between fruit, minerality, and body.
Tasting Notes
The Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi Classico Riserva DOCG 'Il Cantico della Figura' 2017 Magnum - Felici (boxed) is a wine that captivates with its depth and finesse.
Color
Bright straw yellow with golden reflections, a sign of the grapes' ripeness and the slight bottle aging.
Nose
The nose is complex and lively. It opens with notes of yellow-fleshed fruit, white flowers, and aromatic herbs, with delicate hints of almond and flint. Over time, elegant nuances of honey and anise emerge.
Taste
On the palate, it is broad and enveloping, supported by a vibrant freshness and a pronounced minerality. The acidity balances the structure, making the sip long and persistent, with a savory and slightly almondy finish, typical of Verdicchio.
Food Pairings for Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi Classico Riserva DOCG 'Il Cantico della Figura' 2017 Magnum - Felici (boxed)
This Verdicchio is ideal for pairing with seafood dishes and traditional Marche recipes. Its elegance and structure also make it perfect with more complex courses.
- Raw or smoked fish appetizers
- Ravioli stuffed with shellfish or seafood risotto
- Delicate white meats such as rabbit or chicken with herbs
- Semi-aged cheeses and sweet pecorino cheeses
In Magnum format, it is also suitable for convivial dinners or special occasions, where the impressive appearance of the bottle combines with the pleasure of tasting.
Storage and Aging: how to store Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi Classico Riserva DOCG 'Il Cantico della Figura' 2017 Magnum - Felici (boxed)
Verdicchio is a wine that surprises with its ability to evolve over time, but it requires careful storage. Keep it in a cool, dry place with a constant temperature, away from direct light and heat sources. The Magnum bottle offers greater stability in the long term.
This white wine reaches its full harmony within 2-3 years of release, though it can continue to evolve for several more years, developing more mature and complex notes. Drinking Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi Classico Riserva DOCG 'Il Cantico della Figura' 2017 today means savoring a balanced, authentic, and extraordinarily enjoyable wine.
Andrea Felici
The story of Andrea Felici winery Andrea Felici winery blends tradition, heritage, and innovation in every bottle. Located in the charming hills of Marche, it is a place where family history and passion for the land intertwine. Generations of winemakers have nurtured and perfected the art of wine...
How to best open and serve Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi Classico Riserva DOCG 'Il Cantico della Figura' 2017 Magnum - Felici (in gift box)
1. Bottle Positioning
Before opening your Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi Classico Riserva DOCG 'Il Cantico della Figura' 2017 Magnum - Felici (in gift box), it is important to position the bottle correctly. After removing it from storage, keep it upright for at least 24 hours: this allows natural sediments, typical of an aged wine, to settle at the bottom. Avoid shaking or sudden movements to preserve the clarity of the wine.
2. Ideal Serving Temperature
The perfect temperature to serve this Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi Classico Riserva is between 12°C and 14°C. To achieve this range, place the bottle in an ice bucket with ice and water for about 15-20 minutes or in the refrigerator for a couple of hours before tasting. Avoid temperatures that are too low, which would mask its complex aromas.
3. Opening the Bottle
To correctly open a Magnum bottle of aged wine:
- Cut the capsule below the neck ring of the bottle, keeping the corkscrew knife close to the glass.
- Wipe away any traces of moisture or mold on the neck of the bottle.
- Insert the corkscrew spiral into the center of the cork, screwing gently so as not to damage the cork.
- Slowly extract the cork, keeping the bottle still and slightly tilted to minimize the formation of residue in the glass.
4. Inspection and First Taste
After opening, visually and olfactorily inspect the wine. Pour a small amount into the glass and check that the color is bright and the aroma is clean. If you perceive unpleasant notes due to reduction, let the wine breathe for a few minutes: contact with air often dissipates them naturally.
5. Decanting and Oxygenation
A wine like Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi Classico Riserva DOCG 'Il Cantico della Figura' 2017 Magnum - Felici (in gift box) can greatly benefit from decanting. This operation allows for the separation of any sediments and promotes the oxygenation of the wine, releasing its aromatic bouquet.
- Use a clean, transparent decanter.
- Slowly and continuously pour the wine, keeping the bottle tilted and checking for the presence of sediments.
- Let the wine rest in the decanter for about 30-45 minutes before serving.
6. Serving
When serving, use large, tulip-shaped glasses that promote the aromatic expression of the Verdicchio. Gently pour a moderate amount to allow for proper oxygenation in the glass. If served at the table, ensure that the decanter remains away from heat sources or direct light.
7. Storage After Opening
If not entirely consumed, the Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi Classico Riserva DOCG 'Il Cantico della Figura' 2017 Magnum - Felici (in gift box) can be stored for 24-48 hours. Recap the bottle with its cork or a vacuum stopper, keeping it in the refrigerator. Before a new serving, allow the wine to gradually return to tasting temperature.