Verdicchio Recipe

1. Chill the bottle of Verdicchio to serving temperature: place in the refrigerator for 2–3 hours or in an ice bucket with equal parts ice and water for 20–30 minutes until it reaches about 8–10°C (46–50°F).

2. Inspect the bottle for cork condition. If corked, discard. Otherwise, remove foil and use a corkscrew to open the bottle carefully.

3. Swirl the wine gently in the bottle or pour a small sample into a glass to check aroma and flavor—Verdicchio typically shows notes of green apple, lemon, almond, and a subtle herbaceous or mineral quality.

4. Pour 150–180 ml (about 5–6 oz) of Verdicchio per serving into white wine glasses, filling to the widest part of the bowl to concentrate the aroma.

5. Quick chill glasses

If you prefer extra-chilled glasses, place each stemmed wine glass in the freezer for 10–15 minutes before serving or swirl 1 ice cube in each glass for 10 seconds and discard the cube.

6. Garnish each glass with an optional lemon wedge on the rim or dropped briefly into the glass for a faint citrus accent (do this sparingly; Verdicchio is best when not masked).

7. Steamed shellfish

If serving with steamed clams or mussels: clean shellfish under cold water. In a large pot, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil, add 2 smashed garlic cloves and 1/4 cup dry white wine (or use a splash of Verdicchio), cover and steam for 4–6 minutes until shells open. Discard any unopened shells and transfer to a warmed serving bowl.

8. Grilled whole fish

For grilled sea bass: scale and gut the fish, pat dry, rub inside and out with olive oil, salt and pepper, and stuff with lemon slices and fresh herbs (parsley, thyme). Grill over medium-high heat 6–8 minutes per side depending on size until flesh flakes easily.

9. Simple crostini

To prepare crostini: brush baguette slices with olive oil, grill or broil until golden (2–3 minutes per side), rub with a cut clove of garlic and drizzle with a little extra virgin olive oil.

10. Serve Verdicchio immediately after pouring. Encourage guests to smell the wine before tasting to appreciate its citrus, apple and almond notes.

11. Pair with the prepared seafood or crostini. Verdicchio's bright acidity and mineral backbone complement shellfish, grilled white fish and simple olive oil–based appetizers.

12. Store any unfinished bottle upright with the cork reinserted or a wine stopper; consume within 2–3 days for best freshness.