2016 Azienda Santa Barbara Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi 750ml

Hailing from Le Marche, a region on a similar latitude as Tuscany but situated on Italy’s eastern, Adriatic coast, Verdicchio is responsible for mouthwatering whites that are extremely refreshing, versatile, and, in certain cases, age-worthy. But this Verdicchio from Azienda Santa Barbara is not a profound, long-lived wine: this bright, zesty, lemony quaffer is destined for early drinking, at a price that encourages unlimited thirst-quenching pleasure for all.

While Le Marche has a long coastline, complete with gorgeous beaches and fresh seafood, the region’s interior stretches all the way to the Apennines, the mountain range that forms Italy’s spinal cord from north to south. The rolling foothills of the Apennines, with views of the Adriatic in the distance, are where the region’s vineyards are concentrated, and the town of Jesi is a historic stronghold for fine Verdicchio. Uncork this one with seafood pasta, or simply as an aperitivo to whet your palate in times of dire thirst.