The Verdicchio grape is one of the most widely planted white varieties in the Marches region of central Italy and has been cultivated in the area for over 600 years. The two most important DOC's in the region are dei Castelli di Jesi, 20 miles from the Adriatic sea, and di Matelica (from where this wine comes) further inland, close to the Umbrian border. The four-hectare Colle Stefano is owned by Fabio and Silvia Marchion and the estate stands at 420m above sea level. The grapes are grown organically. (Verdicchio's name is derived from 'verde' meaning green, referring to the yellowish-green skin of the grape which imparts a subtle greenish hue to the wine).

On the nose look for aromas of apples, sun-dried fruits and hazelnuts. Dry and crisp on the palate with flavours of melon and citrus fruits. The most remarkable aspect to this wine is the extraordinarily long finish, making this a great food wine with roast chicken, pan-fried prawns in butter or honey-baked ham.