Our new Verdicchio!

All great wines come with a story, and our new Primo & Co Verdicchio Classico Superiore is no exception.

 

I was nervous.

 

This was my first winemaking assignment in Italy - and the first wine I’d make that was entirely my vision.

 

A Verdicchio from my grandfather Primo’s homeland of Le Marche, central Italy.

 

To make it, I worked at Cantina Santa Barbara, alongside the legendary Stefano Antonucci – the man who transformed Verdicchio from a sharp, austere white into one of Italy’s most elegant and expressive wines.

 

He was part winemaker, part rockstar, part local legend. Everyone at the winery spoke of him with awe.

 

At my farewell lunch, I was told he might stop by. I expected a Maserati and designer sunglasses. Instead, I heard a bicycle bell.

 

“Ciccio! Come va?”

 

There he was – Stefano, shirtless, sun-browned, and grinning, parking his old bike against the restaurant wall.

 

The waiter poured him a glass of our Verdicchio. He took a sip, nodded… and had his glass filled to the brim.

 

That day, I learned a few things about wine - but mostly about life.

 

Don’t worry, you’ll never see me riding shirtless through McLaren Vale to a meeting…
(at least not yet - check back with me after 40 years of winemaking).

 

 

This limited-release Verdicchio comes from the Classico zone – the greatest hillside vineyards around Santa Barbara, 250 metres above sea level.

 

The Superiore classification indicates the highest winemaking standard: a touch of oak and extra time in bottle to reveal its full depth and texture.

 

It’s bright, layered and savoury, with white peach, lemon curd and toasted almond, finishing long and mineral.

 

Think of it as Italy’s answer to a great Chablis - equally at home with seafood, pasta or roast chicken.

 

 

If you’ve never tasted Verdicchio, you’re in for a treat. This is a must-try for all white wine lovers.