Collestefano

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Country of Origin: Italy
Location: Verdicchio di Matelica
People: Fabio Marchionni, Owner & Winemaker
Viticulture: Certified Organic

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Nestled in the Matelica zone of Italy’s Marche region, Collestefano is renowned for producing exceptional Verdicchio di Matelica, a testament to the passion and expertise of winemaker Fabio Marchionni.

Fabio, a graduate of the oenology school in Ancona, refined his craft in Germany at Weingut Zähringer, where he embraced organic farming and sustainable viticultural practices. In 1998, he returned to take over his family’s vineyards, debuting his first vintage of Verdicchio di Matelica Collestefano. His meticulous approach, commitment to low yields (less than 40 hectoliters per hectare), and focus on minimal intervention have established this wine as a benchmark for the Matelica style.

Collestefano’s vineyards, located at 450 meters above sea level near Castelraimondo, benefit from a temperate, maritime-influenced climate and significant diurnal temperature shifts. This high-altitude terroir enhances grape concentration and preserves natural acidity, resulting in wines that are vibrant, well-structured, and refined. The Matelica zone, situated further inland and at a higher elevation than Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi, yields wines with a leaner, more elegant profile, as opposed to the fuller, fruit-driven wines of Jesi. Collestefano exemplifies the Matelica style with its bright, crisp wines of remarkable finesse and floral notes, often complemented by a hint of pine.

Fabio’s dedication to organic viticulture, certified since 1995, reflects his commitment to preserving the vitality and purity of the land. Sustainability is woven into the fabric of the Marchionni family’s practices: the vineyards are integrated into a polycultural system that includes beans and greens to enrich soil health. Grapes are hand-harvested, and winemaking adheres to traditional methods, with minimal use of sulfur dioxide to maintain the integrity of the wine. Fabio’s meticulous attention to detail—his winery’s legendary cleanliness underscores his exacting standards—ensures that every bottle reflects the precision and freshness that define Collestefano’s reputation.