Off the shelf Verdicchio can often be a bit, well ‘meh’ but these blew the whole Swig team away. We are thrilled to see owner and winemaker Riccardo Baldi starting to receive the recognition he deserves with this wonderful write up, just released, from Eric Guido:
‘I often think of the La Staffa Verdicchios as Meursaults in a lineup of Chablis. The wines are all about tension, acidity and minerality, while many other producers rely on fat and fruit to impress. Owner and winemaker Riccardo Baldi tends 12 hectares of vines around the town of Staffolo, growing at 400 to 550 meters through all-organic, verging on biodynamic practices. These are primarily clay soils with a high percentage of calcium carbonate, which Baldi translates beautifully into the finished wines. The best part is that no matter how enjoyable these wines are upon release, they get even better with time. There are no slouches in this portfolio.
From Marche Stays the Course Amidst Future Uncertainty (May 2024) by Eric Guido
2022 Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi Classico
91 Points
Drinking Window: 2023 - 2026
An enticing blend of young peach, mint leaf and wet stone introduces the 2022 Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi Classico. This soothes with its supple textures offset by brilliant acidity and crisp minerality as ripe orchard fruits cascade throughout. It finishes long yet clean, leaving a sweet and salty impression as sour lime hints slowly fade. This fantastic, tension-filled white drinks beautifully on its own but will also pair with a large variety of cuisine.
2020 Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi Riserva Rincrocca
92 Points
Drinking Window: 2025 - 2029
The 2020 Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi Classico Riserva Rincrocca opens slowly in the glass, subtle and nuanced, requiring coaxing to reveal its depths of crushed stone, green apples and lime. It washes across the palate, silky and refined yet mineral-intense, with stimulating acidity that tugs at the cheeks. Tart orchard fruits and savory herbal tones resonate throughout. It finishes long and full of zesty tension, leaving a salty tinge that cakes the palate. A crunchy sensation lingers on and on. The 2020 is just a baby today and full of potential.
2019 Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi Riserva Selva di Sotto
94 Points
Drinking Window: 2024 - 2031
The 2019 Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi Classico Riserva Selva di Sotto excites the senses from the first tilt of the glass with a rich blend of honeyed florals, vanilla custard, green apples and flint crushed stone. This displays medium-bodied weight yet is full of zesty tension. A candied lime flourish gives way to sour melon as tactile mineral tones add a crunchiness toward the close. It’s long and intensely spicy, displaying vivid Meyer lemon and a minty herbal freshness. The 2019 is easily the most complete rendition of Selva di Sotto I’ve ever tasted. Bravo.
