2023 Felici Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi

"The 2022 Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi Classico Superiore entices with a remarkably pretty blend of wildflowers, lemon sorbet and gingery spice. Soft textures soothe the palate as saline mineral tones contrast ripe orchard fruits. Citrus traces add tongue-curling tension toward the close. The 2022 finishes long and perfumed, leaving cheek-puckering hints of sour lime that keep the mouth watering for more. Despite the warm vintage, the balance here is otherworldly."

"This is showing notes of sea shells, lemon peel, tonic and sliced pears. Lively and crisp, with excellent weight, too. Bright and mineral. Drink or hold. Screw cap."

"Throw the raciness of Riesling, the breadth of Chenin, and the seriousness of Chablis across a blank canvas and swirl – you'll get Verdicchio: salty, powerful, intense, wire-cutter acidity, bitter almonds, cool citrus, and above all, the capacity to age into something quite extraordinary. . . At first glance it barely caught my attention; pale, faint pear, faint almonds. In the mouth, to begin with, it was pure tension. The liquid version of a wire sculpture, glittering with acidity. But very quickly it began to build in the mouth, layering nuttiness with sweet lemon over zest and then sunflower seeds. Tension turned to intensity that lingered long after the wine had gone. -- This wine, so delicious and intentional now, will get more complex and interesting with age. At each stage of its development it will be a brilliant food wine. While it's young, think fresh spring green: peas and pea shoots, asparagus, dishes made with lots of fresh herbs, green pesto, lemon zest, ricotta and delicate seafood. As it ages it will be able to take richer dishes: pork belly with braised fennel, lobster, scallops in creamy dill sauce, a hard mountain cheese. Or you could sip it quite happily by itself, especially this young, because it's so zesty. All this for less than £15. Ridiculously good value."