Bucci

I just tasted through 6 of the wines from Bucci, 4 whites and 2 reds. I have had the Bucci Verdicchio in the shop for months and think it is a great food wine. Today Ampelio Bucci and Jason from Empson showed up to show the reserve whites and the red blends that are new to Ohio.

The Buccis have owned land and made wine in the Castelli di Jesi area as far back as 1700s. The vineyards, made up of Verdicchio, Montepulciano and Sangiovese are officially certified 100% organic. In addition to wine they produce wheat, sugar beets, sunflower, peas and extra virgin olive oil.

The reserve Villa Bucci can age for up to 10 years. The Rosso Piceno Pongelli DOC are 50/50 blends of Sangiovese and Montepulciano aged 1 year in large oak barrels and then 6 months in bottle. They can be served slightly chilled and would pair well with fish and have a light Pinot Noir character. Big aromas and long finishes with good tannic structure. All of the Bucci wines are first and foremost food wines. Ampelio said he wanted to offer a different style of Italian wine and not compete against the big dark massive typical Italian Reds in the Marche region.

In 2005 Gambero Rosso named the 2001 Villa Bucci "White Wine of the Year."