SANTA BARBARA
Stefano Antonucci

The “Pignocco” gets its name from a legendary and particularly imposing and bushy pine tree situated at the top of a hill surrounded by vineyards. This is an easy-drinking wine, vinified and aged only in stainless steel to enhance its approachability. Floral perfumes are accompanied by notes of almond and peach; in the mouth it is fresh and savory with a persistent and pleasant aftertaste of almond. The Pignocco is extremely versatile, an ideal accompaniment to appetizers and light dishes.

“Le Vaglie” was created in 1992, with the twofold intention of diverging from the classic frameworks of traditional Verdicchio while at the same time paying tribute to the winemaking history of the Marche region. The experiment was undoubtedly successful, presenting a wine with the typical almond aromas and flavors that also surprises with complexity and captivating freshness. In 1992, in celebration of the 20th anniversary of Le Vaglie, the winery introduced five colorful labels alongside the traditional white label, a stylistic choice that continues today, delighting the wine’s numerous fans.

Passerina is an ancient and traditional grape variety used in the white wines of central Italy, particularly the Marche region. Passero is the Italian word for “sparrow, ” the bird well-known to Italian vitners for its voracious appetite for ripe Passerina grapes. The Italian diminutive “–ina” indicates the quite small size of Passerina grapes. The variety is also relatively high in acidity, resulting in a fresh, inviting wine balancing freshness with structure. Ripe fruit and aromatic herbs are complimented by floral notes, finishing with an unexpected, though delightful, minerality. Best enjoyed young to fully appreciate the crisp, juicy characteristic of this wine.

Lacrima is a dark-skinned grape variety native to the Marche region. The word lacrima means teardrop in Italian, and is probably reference to the fact that the berries have a tendency to split, dripping juice down the outside of the bunch. Santa Barbara’s Pignocco Lacrima di Morro d’Alba is characterized by very distinct fruity aromas (particularly berries) and flowery rose and violet. In the mouth, a fresh vinous flavor dominates with marked scents of red roses and soft, sweet tannins.  The Pignocco’s light simplicity makes an ideal pairing even for fish.

A rich and complex nose entices with fruit (exotic, tropical) and notes of spice. An important structure is balanced by a fresh minerality that invites another sip. In addition to representing one of the regions best examples of Verdicchio, Tardivo Ma Non Tardo is participant in an interesting and noble project. The distinctive label is designed by artist Catia Uliassi who, together with the Santa Barbara winery, collaborates with the Fondazione Dott. Dante Paladini. A portion of the proceeds from each bottle of this Verdicchio goes to support research and treatment of neuromuscular disease.

The name of this wine, Back to Basics, perfectly sums up the philosophy of this Verdicchio, produced with 100% organically grown grapes and vinified and refined only in stainless steel, allowing for a pure expression of this typical variety. Aromas of flowers and ripe stone fruits alternate in a sort of perfumed dance, aromatic herbs joining in as well. A medium-structured wine reveals a perfect balance between sapidity and freshness and a citrus finish. Pairs perfectly with first dishes, vegetable sauces and fish.

The Marche Rosso was created in response to the challenge of uniting international grape varieties (Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot) with the celebrated indigenous grape variety Montepulciano. The international acclaim of this wine is proof of the success of the project, a point of pride for the Santa Barbara winery. An intense ruby red with garnet nuances mesmerizes with aromas of ripe red fruit and delicate hints of dried flowers and notes of toast and spice. Round, smooth and full in the mouth, this is a wine of structure and fine tannins, balanced by an elegant acidity.

A virile wine indeed, the Maschio da Monte explodes on the nose with a lavish bouquet of dark fruit, spice and vegetal notes. The tannins are soft and elegant supported by a notable, silky structure and long and persistent finish. This is a wine that promises exceptional cellaring potential, becoming increasingly harmonious in its evolution.

Verdicchio is unquestionably one of the most important white grape varieties in Italy and this wine is an impeccable example of the potential of this typical grape of the Marche region. The Santa Barbara winery has always held the strong conviction that the amazing characteristics of Verdicchio can be exalted through fermentation and barrel aging.  Through experimentation with different sizes and types of wood, the Stefano Antonucci Verdicchio was born. The wine immediately convinces with its balance, and lively and warm enveloping mouth, all enhanced by a remarkable range of perfumes (from fruit and citrus to warm spices) and marked personality.