Boston Wine Expo 2003
The Verdicchios of Verdoni

We had time for one more stop before the Dominus seminar, and we found the table of Anthony Verdoni and his son, Anthony Junior. Not only did they have five verdicchios available for tasting, but three of them were a mini-vertical of 1999, 1998, and 1997 by the same winery. What a treat!

Anthony Verdoni Jr (left) and his father

Monte Shiavo 2001 Verdicchio de Castelli dei Jesi Classico
This verdicchio was a nice combination of melony and tart, with a medium body and a buttery, pine-nut style finish. At under $10, this is a great spring or summer sipping wine.

Pallio di san Floriano Monte Schiavo 2001 Classico Superiore
This verdicchio is a late harvest style, done with only the best grapes from 2001. It is more understated than the other verdicchios we've tried, with a fruity, gentle, crisp flavor, and still that buttery pine-nut undertone. We enjoyed it greatly, and at around $10, it's another great buy if you can find it.

1997 Le Giuncane Verdicchio de Castelli dei Jesi Classico Riserva
The first of the trio, this year's wine was made in stainless steel to emphasize its fruity, crisp nature. The 1997 was the first year in which they made a riserva. In fact, verdicchio is one of theonly whites in Italy allowed to be turned into a Riserva, and it must age 2 years to earn that name. The '97 was bright and fruity, with good acidity. Very aromatic.

1998 Le Giuncane Verdicchio de Castelli dei Jesi Classico Riserva
In 1998 they went with part of the wine barrel fermented, and aged it in French oak. The wine was smoother, with more fruit and a hint of woody flavor. Anthony explained that this year had a better vintage of grapes which added to the more complex flavor.

1999 Le Giuncane Verdicchio de Castelli dei Jesi Classico Riserva
This wine is still a bit young to be consumed, and was a bit tart and almost sparkling. It has a fruity, buttery, peach flavor and looks to be quite delicious in another year or so. With all three wines retailing for between $16 and $18, keep your eyes open for these!

Main Page for Boston Expo 2003
First Stop - Fratelli Castino Gavi
Next, the Verdicchio
The Lugana of Fratelli Fraccoroli
The Verdicchios of Verdoni
Dominus Vertical: 1994 & 1995
Dominus Vertical: 1996 & 1997
Dominus Vertical: 1998 & 1999
Ending with Prosecco