Santa Barbara Stefano Antonucci ‘Pignocco’ Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi, Marche, Italy

Description

Radiating freshness and coastal charm, the 2022 Santa Barbara Stefano Antonucci ‘Pignocco’ Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi is a wine born from legend and elevated by innovation. Named after a storied pine tree that crowns the vineyard hilltops of Barbara, this Verdicchio captures the luminous energy of the Marche region, offering crisp acidity, aromatic grace, and a persistent, almond-laced finish that makes it endlessly drinkable and remarkably food-friendly.

Product Details:

• Varietal: 100% Verdicchio
• Colour: White
• Alcohol: 13%
• Vineyard Altitude: 230250 meters
• Exposure: Southeast
• Soil: Sandy tuff
• Vine Age: 25 years
• Harvest: Manual, September
• Yield: 10,000 kg/ha
• Vine Training: Inverted counter-espalier
• Fermentation: Temperature-controlled stainless steel with cultured yeasts
• Aging: 4 months on lees in stainless steel
• Winemaker & Owner: Stefano Antonucci

Sensory Description:

This straw-yellow wine with greenish reflections delivers a refined bouquet of hawthorn blossom, ripe white peach, and fresh almond. On the palate, it is vivid and savory, defined by bright acidity, a supple mid-palate, and a long, mouthwatering finish that closes with a classic touch of almond. The texture is clean and fluid, striking a balance between approachability and precision.

Awards & Accolades:

• 88 Points Vinous Media
  Delicate and coy, lifting with hints of chamomile and crushed green apples. A soft, soothing effort with mineral-tinged orchard fruits and fresh acidity ends with a green citrus twang that keeps the mouth watering.

Winemaker’s Background:

Winemaker Stefano Antonucci left a career in banking in the early 1990s to pursue his dream of crafting expressive wines rooted in the heart of his hometown, Barbara. With a fierce respect for tradition and a tireless drive for stylistic evolution, he transformed his familys modest estate into the acclaimed Santa Barbara Winery. Today, the winery sits in a repurposed monastery in the Castelli di Jesi hills, where Stefano continues to marry precision winemaking with a visionary approach. The ‘Pignocco’ line, named after a local legendary pine, is a cornerstone of the estate, symbolizing his journey from banker to one of Italys most respected artisan winemakers.

Serving Suggestions:

Serve chilled at 4550F to enhance its crisp aromatics and zesty edge. This wine is a versatile companion to seafood, vegetable antipasti, creamy risottos, grilled chicken, or even sushi. Its clean profile and vibrant finish make it an ideal aperitif or a refreshing option for warm-weather dining.

The 2022 Santa Barbara Stefano Antonucci ‘Pignocco’ Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi is a beautiful expression of place, purpose, and personal vision. Crafted with care and driven by a desire to please real wine drinkers, it offers clarity, complexity, and character, all at once.