Santa Barbara Verdicchio Tardivo ma non Tardo Classico Riserva 2021

Santa Barbara Verdicchio Tardivo ma non Tardo Classico Riserva 2021 is a striking expression of Verdicchio from the rolling hills of Marche, crafted to showcase both place and personality. This late-harvest (“tardivo”) yet finely balanced white captures impressive depth and texture without sacrificing freshness. The bespoke label, created exclusively for Santa Barbara by painter and restorer Catia Uliassi, mirrors the wine’s expressive autonomy and artistic intent, making this bottle as visually captivating as it is delicious.

Tasting Notes
In the glass, this Verdicchio shows a brilliant straw-yellow core with golden highlights, hinting at its concentration and late-harvest origins. The nose opens with layers of ripe stone fruit—yellow peach, apricot and nectarine—interwoven with citrus peel, chamomile, wild herbs and subtle almond. Hints of acacia honey, saline minerality and a gentle spice note add complexity as the wine evolves in the glass. On the palate, Tardivo ma non Tardo is generous and textural, yet impeccably poised. Expect a full, almost creamy mouthfeel supported by vibrant acidity, delivering flavors of juicy peach, preserved lemon, pear and soft tropical tones, framed by a distinct bitter-almond and mineral edge typical of top Verdicchio. The finish is long, savory and layered, with lingering notes of citrus zest and sea spray. This is a wine with clear aging potential: while already expressive, it will develop further tertiary nuances of honey, dried flowers and nuts over the next 6–10 years when well cellared.

Production
Sourced from selected hillside vineyards in the heart of the Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi Classico zone in Marche, this wine reflects a terroir of calcareous-clay soils, good diurnal range and exposure to Adriatic breezes. Grapes are harvested later than usual—“tardivo” but not overripe—allowing for heightened aromatic concentration and structure while maintaining acidity. Santa Barbara typically employs meticulous hand-harvesting and strict bunch selection to bring only perfectly healthy, flavour-packed grapes to the cellar. Fermentation takes place at controlled temperatures to preserve aromatics, followed by extended maturation on the fine lees in tank and/or large vessels, building texture, complexity and ageworthiness before the wine is elevated to Riserva status and bottled.

Food & Serving
This structured Verdicchio is a natural match for refined seafood and richly flavored Mediterranean dishes. Pair it with grilled or baked fish, scallops, lobster, turbot, or sea bream, as well as seafood risotto, spaghetti alle vongole, or dishes with fennel and citrus. It also works beautifully with roasted chicken, rabbit, veal tonnato, truffle-inflected cuisine and aged pecorino from central Italy. Serve at 10–12°C (50–54°F) in a generous white wine glass. A short decant of 20–30 minutes, or simply opening the bottle a bit in advance, helps the wine unfurl its full aromatic complexity.

Producer
Cantine Santa Barbara, led by the visionary winemaker Stefano Antonucci, has become one of the reference producers in Marche for modern, characterful interpretations of native grapes, especially Verdicchio. Situated in the hills of the Castelli di Jesi area, the estate has played a key role in elevating Verdicchio from a simple local white to one of Italy’s most ageworthy and distinctive varieties. By combining meticulous vineyard work, low yields and precise cellar techniques, Santa Barbara has earned a strong reputation both in Italy and abroad, with wines like Tardivo ma non Tardo demonstrating the region’s capacity for depth, elegance and individuality. The collaboration with artist Catia Uliassi on this label further underlines the estate’s commitment to connecting fine wine with contemporary culture and artistic expression.