Vignamato Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi DOC Classico “Ambrosia”
WHY WE LOVE IT
- Ambrosia is a prestigious Verdicchio Riserva DOCG wine from the Castelli di Jesi region, made from 100% Verdicchio grapes.
- Awarded the prestigious “Tre Bicchieri” (Three Glasses) by Gambero Rosso, the highest accolade for Italian wines for seven consecutive years.
- The wine is produced from a rigorous selection of grapes from the estate’s oldest vineyard, planted in 1975 by the founder’s grandfather, Amato.
- The vineyard is located at 230 meters above sea level in San Paolo di Jesi, Contrada Battinebbia, in the heart of the classic area.
- In Greek mythology, Ambrosia was the drink of the gods, believed to grant longevity or immortality to its drinkers.
Varietal Composition: 100% Verdicchio
Elaboration: Guyot vine training is used, with grapes harvested manually in crates. Soft pressing and static decantation of the must are followed by fermentation in cement tanks with indigenous yeasts at 16–18°C for 4–5 weeks. Malolactic fermentation occurs as needed, and the wine matures for about 20 months in cement tanks, then 10 months in the bottle before release.
Tasting Notes: Straw yellow with greenish and golden reflections. Complex and elegant, with notes of ripe yellow fruit, citrus, anise, and aromatic herbs. Dry, fresh, and savory, with great elegance, good structure, significant minerality, balance, and long persistence.
PRESS
2021 – 95 Decanter | 94 James Suckling
PRODUCER BACKGROUND
In the late 1940s, Umberto Ceci acquired land in the Battinebbia district of San Paolo di Jesi for Verdicchio grape production. He passed this land to his son, Amato, and his wife, Maria, who were enthusiastic winemakers. Their son, Maurizio, and his wife, Serenella, later took over, launching the “Vignamato” project — meaning “Amato’s vineyard”— in the early 2000s to honor Umberto’s vision for Verdicchio’s potential.
Now in its fourth generation, Vignamato is run by Maurizio and Serenella’s children—Alessandra, Andrea, and Francesco. They focus on low yields, responsible land management, and chemical-free practices. The grapes are hand-harvested, and wines are matured in glass-lined concrete containers and steel, reflecting a commitment to sustainability and family tradition.