Garofoli: A Taste of Le Marche

Most wine drinkers can name a Tuscan or Piedmontese red. Fewer know Verdicchio, the crisp, savory white from Le Marche that's terrific with seafood. If you like Soave or Albariño, it's your next bottle to try.

Le Marche is one of Italy’s most beautiful wine regions, stretching between the Apennine Mountains and the Adriatic Sea. Its vineyards run through rolling hills and valleys that slope toward the sand-and-pebble coastline. Its two main grapes, Verdicchio, the star white, and Montepulciano, the grape behind the best reds, deserve more attention than they get outside Italy.

Photo: Garofoli winery

Among the region’s historic producers is Garofoli, a family winery whose story stretches back more than 150 years. In 1871, Antonio Garofoli began producing and selling wine from a small tavern along the pilgrimage route to Loreto. Thirty years later, his son Gioacchino formally established the winery. Today, the family's fifth generation runs the business, with vineyards in several parts of Le Marche, including Montecarotto in the Castelli di Jesi area and Paterno and Piancarda in the Monte Conero area.

A Taste of Garofoli

I recently received samples of several Garofoli wines, including two expressions of Verdicchio as well as a rosato and a red. The wines are easy to find in the U.S. too. I've seen several on restaurant wine lists in New York City, often by the glass.

The family’s story began with Verdicchio, a grape whose versatility and long life are among its many appealing characteristics. Young examples are bright, fresh, and citrusy, while aged wines show more texture and complexity without losing their freshness.

Here are four to look for, all under $25.

Garofoli "Aelya" Verdicchio di Matelica 2025
Aelya comes from a Roman word for sunlight, and the high-elevation vineyards around Matelica get plenty of it. It's Garofoli's first Verdicchio di Matelica under its own name, made from estate fruit. Citrus and orchard fruit lead, with a flinty edge and enough texture to stand up to a meal. Pour it with grilled branzino or fried calamari. (SRP $21)

Garofoli "Macrina" Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi Classico Superiore 2025
Saint Macrina's image is on the brick chapel in the vineyard where these grapes grow, and the wine carries her name. It's crisp but juicy, with citrus, yellow apple, and a few floral notes, then a touch of almond on the finish that makes you want another sip. A salty edge keeps it lively. Try it with risotto alle vongole or roast chicken. (SRP $20)

Garofoli "Piancarda Blu" Rosso Conero 2023
This is the big one of the group. Montepulciano from the Piancarda vineyard shows black cherry and plum, with sage and thyme running through it. Full-bodied, but with silky tannins, so it drinks easily instead of heavily. Pair it with sausage and peppers or a mushroom pizza. (SRP $21)

Garofoli "Kòmaros" Conero Rosato 2025
Kòmaros is the Greek name for the arbutus (madrone) trees around Mount Conero, and for the mountain itself. This Rosato is 100% Montepulciano, picked early to hold onto acidity. Expect ripe red berries and a sea-breeze saltiness. It's a summer sipper, but it has the texture to last through a whole meal, even Thanksgiving. (SRP $17)

Photo: @casa_vinicola_garofoli