Andrea Felici, Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi Classico Superiore 2022

92 points Vinous
"The 2022 Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi Classico Superiore entices with a remarkably pretty blend of wildflowers, lemon sorbet and gingery spice. Soft textures soothe the palate as saline mineral tones contrast ripe orchard fruits. Citrus traces add tongue-curling tension toward the close. The 2022 finishes long and perfumed, leaving cheek-puckering hints of sour lime that keep the mouth watering for more. Despite the warm vintage, the balance here is otherworldly."

Vinous Reverie Notes
The winery of Andrea Felici is located in the Marche region, between Apiro and Cupramontana, the heart of the homeland of Verdicchio. Nestled on a hill at the foot of Mount San Vicino at an altitude of 516 meters above sea level, Azienda Andrea Felici possesses a wonderful landscape; a green valley with tilted slopes, blanketed by beautiful woods and vines, marked by the high peaks of Gran Sasso and Maiella to the south and Mount Catria to the north. The climate is dry, with average annual temperatures in the mid-50s and a constant breeze throughout the year.  This is the southwest corner of the Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi appellation. The area is further inland, with more limestone, a bit less influence from the Adriatic Sea, and temperature swings between day and night that are more drastic. This winery practices organic viticulture with certification. Grapes are harvested by hand, the clusters are gently placed in small boxes and the grapes are pressed within a few hours, and temperature controlled fermentation is achieved without oxygen. About half of the harvest ferments on its skins, only during the kinetic part of alcoholic fermentation. The wine matures and mellows in cement and stainless steel vats for a period much longer than the minimum prescribed by regulations.