Meet Marche: A hidden treasure of nature, history and wine
Marche is a region that often goes unnoticed, but which preserves a natural, cultural and gastronomic heritage that few places can boast. Located in the heart of Italy, between the Adriatic Sea and the Apennines, this land of pure beauty and ancient traditions deserves to be explored and experienced. If you are a fan of travel and good food, Le Marche is a destination not to be missed. And if you add to this experience a sensory journey into the world of wine, the whole thing becomes truly memorable.
In this article, we will explore the charm of Le Marche, from its green hills and medieval villages to its breathtaking beaches and the secrets of its wine tradition. We will also talk about one of its jewels: Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi, a white wine that has conquered palates all over the world, perfect to accompany the region's typical dishes.
A trip to Le Marche: The region of a thousand faces
Le Marche is a region that combines natural beauty, history, culture and a gastronomic tradition deeply rooted in centuries of history. Every corner of Le Marche is an invitation to discovery, from the hinterland to the coast, passing through the hills and cities of art.
The Marche hills: A dream landscape
The landscape of the Marche region is characterised by gentle hills covered with vineyards, olive groves and green fields. The Castelli di Jesi area, in particular, is famous for its wine production, but also for the spectacular views of valleys and small villages. These hills are the cradle of one of Italy's finest wines: Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi, which grows in soil rich in minerals that contribute to its unique character.
The Marche hills are also ideal for those who love walking or hiking in an unspoilt natural environment. Here, tranquillity reigns supreme, but at the same time you are surrounded by a rich biodiversity, with a variety of flora and fauna that makes this region a paradise for nature lovers.
But the hills are not just a place to lose yourself in natural beauty: they are also a crossroads of culture and tradition. The Verdicchio vineyards, in fact, are not only a feast for the eyes, but a testimony to the region's long wine history, which has its roots in Roman times. The wine-growing tradition of the Marche is a hallmark of a culture that has always had a deep relationship with the land and its fruits.
The Marches beaches: Where the sea meets history
After exploring the hills, one should also spend some time on the beautiful beaches of Le Marche. The region boasts over 180 km of coastline, characterised by golden sand, crystal-clear waters and small villages overlooking the sea. Among the best known locations are Senigallia, with its ‘velvet beach’, and Numana, which is a perfect destination for those seeking tranquillity and beauty.
But the Marche coast is not only a haven of natural beauty. Here, in fact, you can also find historical cities such as Ancona, the region's capital, which with its port has been a point of reference for Mediterranean trade and culture for centuries. The city is rich in historical monuments, such as the Cathedral of San Ciriaco and the Lazzaretto, which tell the long and fascinating history of this area.
The most fascinating aspect of the Marche's beaches is that, while they are popular with tourists, they are never too crowded. Here, one can enjoy relaxing bathing in a quiet and authentic atmosphere, far from the chaos of the busiest tourist resorts. The landscapes, characterised by cliffs and small bays, also make the Marche coast an ideal place for those who love trekking or photography.
Medieval towns and art treasury: a dive into the past
Le Marche is also a region rich in history and culture, which is reflected in its many medieval villages and cultural cities. Places like Urbino, one of the most fascinating cities in Italy, with its Ducal Palace and historic centre, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, are a clear example of the region's splendour.
Other historic towns such as Fermo, with its imposing Piazza del Popolo and the Aquila Theatre, and Loreto, famous for its sanctuary that attracts millions of pilgrims every year, are places where past and present intertwine in a fascinating symphony of culture, art and faith. Recanati, birthplace of the poet Giacomo Leopardi, is another historical gem worth visiting, with its enchanting landscape that inspired some of the most beautiful works of Italian literature.
Strolling through these towns is an experience that transports you to another era, among narrow streets, silent squares and historical buildings that tell centuries of history and folklore.
The gastronomic tradition of Le Marche: authentic flavours
Marche food is a perfect reflection of its land: genuine, rich and able to tell stories through its flavours. Each meal is a journey into local tastes and local traditions, ranging from the sea to the hinterland, passing through the mountains. The gastronomic tradition of the Marche region is linked to fresh, high quality products which are prepared using natural and traditional methods.
Local dishes: an explosion of taste
Marche cooking is simple but extraordinarily tasty. Among the most representative dishes are olive ascolane, a typical appetiser made with stuffed and fried olives, and vincisgrassi, a rich and tasty Marche lasagna, often prepared with beef or pork, that is a real treat for the palate. Also, one cannot fail to mention brodetto di pesce, a fish dish cooked in a rich tomato and flavouring sauce, perfect with a fresh white wine such as Verdicchio.
Crescioni are another speciality, similar to flatbreads filled with cheese, herbs and other ingredients typical of the area. And let's not forget the cheeses, such as Caciotta delle Marche, which pairs beautifully with a glass of white wine.
Le Marche is also home to excellent sweets, such as mostaccioli, typical biscuits made with honey and dried fruit, which are a sweet Easter and Christmas tradition, perfect to be accompanied with a sweet wine or a local amaro.
Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi: the wine of Marche
Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi is with no doubt one of the most representative wines of the Marche region. This fresh and fruity white wine is produced in the hilly area around the town of Jesi, an area famous for its winemaking tradition. Verdicchio is appreciated for its versatility and ability to evolve over time, with a perfect balance of freshness, body and flavour.
Food and wine pairing: Verdicchio with Marche food
Verdicchio is a wine that lends itself to multiple pairings. Its freshness makes it perfect with fish dishes, such as the already mentioned fish soup or with shellfish and mollusc dishes. It is also excellent with pasta dishes, particularly those with fish sauces, and with fresh or mature cheeses from the Marche region.
If you want a complete gastronomic experience, try Verdicchio with a dish of crescioni stuffed with cheese and herbs: the acidity of the wine will perfectly balance the rich, aromatic flavour of the dish. Moreover, Verdicchio goes perfectly with Caciotta delle Marche, a soft and delicate cheese that enhances the flavour.
Marche: a treasure to discover
Le Marche is a region that will surprise you. As well as offering unspoilt nature and enchanting villages, the region is also a land of gastronomic and wine traditions that make it an ideal destination for those seeking an authentic experience.
Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi is just one of the many reasons to visit this region. But, once you have savoured its cultural, historical and gastronomic richness, you will truly understand why Le Marche is a hidden treasure to be discovered.
If you are passionate about wine, food and natural beauty, Le Marche is waiting to give you a unique experience. And, if you want to take some of this magic home with you, visit our website and discover the best wines of Le Marche, such as Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi, to taste in Switzerland, for a sensory journey that will make you feel part of this wonderful region.
