I arrived in Matelica around lunchtime. The enoteca comunale, my target, was almost closing, so I could not start my tastings. I had to wait until 4pm, the reopening time. Ahhh....Italian habits..- not good for tourists...

Anyway, I decided to stay in Matelica for the night for different reasons: the weather, and also because I found an Internet cafe from where to send my stories and pictures.

In the afternoon I went to the enoteca comunale which is located in the old fish market building. They promote local products among which wines, honey and biscotti. It was a great treat to be able to taste 5 Verdicchio in a row from different producers. It was easy to find the commonality among them all: a typical variety aroma of apples and peaches and a strong crispy taste ending with notes of bitter almond. Alcohol is 13-14%. Not too bad for a white...

Verdicchio is also very durable in time. The Matelica DOC can age up to 10 years! Again....not too bad for a white! Locals like to say that if it had tannins and color, it could be mistaken for a red!

Matelica DOC is so close to the Castello di Jesi DOC, however they are so different! The two Verdicchio are different in structure and sapidity. The Matelica one is characterized by different soil and the valley (in which I am) is parallel to the sea and very protected from the mountains. It produces a more robust most.

A simple vegetable plate for dinner in a simple elegant rustic trattoria located in a stone cave, wrapped my day in Matelica.

Back to the hotel room, I am writing these notes with the romantic view of the Cathedral's bell tower by night!