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Sartarelli
“Sartarelli is one of the premier, reference-point producers of fine Verdicchio. Readers should do whatever they can to taste these fabulous whites from the Marche.”
Wine Advocate, 6/30/2101
Winery
Located in the heart of the Marche on the west side of the Esino river, Sartarelli encompasses 66 hectares of vines located 300-350 feet above sea level. With an average vine age of 33 years and soils that are characterized by calcareous and marl stone, owners Donatella Sartarelli and her husband Patrizio Chiacchiarini are producing wines that are very terrior driven and classic to the Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi DOC.
As with many of the producers Sherbrooke Cellars partners with, Donatella and Patrizio firmly believe that the wine is made in the vineyard. To this end they are practicing substainable farming, only using pesticides when absolutely necessary and allowing grasses to grow in order to replenish nutrients into the soil. During harvest, which usually occurs between mid-September and mid-October, they make multiple passes through the vineyards, taking only the fruit that is at its optimum ripeness.
All of the grapes are soft pressed, with fermentation for the Classico and Tralivio being done in stainless steel and the Balciana and Passeto in cement. No oak is used at all, allowing for the purity of the fruit to come through. The end result are artisanal wines that are clean, soft, and layered with complexity.
Visit the winery at www.sartarelli.it
Wines
Classico 2009
This is a great introduction to Verdicchio and the house style of one of the region’s reference-point producers. Sweet apricots, peaches, minerals, mint, almonds and flowers all make an appearance in this soft, caressing white. Best of all, it won’t break the bank!
“The 2009 Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi Classico offers up dried flowers, peaches and herbs in a mid-weight, accessible style. This is a very polished and well-balanced Verdicchio for the money, and is a great value. Anticipated maturity: 2010-2014.”
88 points, Wine Advocate, 6/30/2010
shelf talker / label
Tralivio 2008
“The 2008 Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi Classico Superiore Tralivio is made from lower yields than the regular bottling, which comes through in the wine’s depth and richness. Succulent ripe peaches, mint, minerals and flowers emerge from this voluptuous, sexy Verdicchio. Pretty candied notes are layered into a vein of minerality that gives the Tralivio its gorgeous balance, impeccable finish and sense of proportion. This is a terrific effort from Sartarelli. Anticipated maturity: 2010-2018.”
91 points, Wine Advocate, 6/30/2010
shelf talker / label
Balciana 2007
“The 2008 Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi Classico Superiore Balciana emerges from the glass with vivid, richly-textured sensations of juicy apricots, light floral honey, tangerine and minerals. Made from late-harvested fruit, the Balciana presents stunning richness in a medium to full-bodied style best suited to bold, full-flavored dishes. It is a gorgeous wine readers will not want to miss. Anticipated maturity: 2010-2018.”
93 points Wine Advocate, 6/30/2010
shelf talker / label
Passito 2007
The estate’s 2007 Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi Passito is a delicate sweet wine redolent of candied orange, honey, apricot jam and spices, all wrapped around a sensual, soft-textured frame. The wine finishes with refined tannins and tons of harmony. This is another gem from Sartarelli. Anticipated maturity: 2009-2012
90 Wine Advocate
shelf talker / label