Just as some flowers are the first signs of Spring, such as these mimosas in the picture, Verdicchio to me sings of springtime.

This wonderful grape from Le Marche is a beautiful way to invite spring into your life even when it’s snowing in April in New York.

I first tried Verdicchio on a vacation in Le Marche many years ago. We went to Recanati, the hometown of Giacomo Leopardi, Italy’s great poet. I was impressed by the whole region which I had only visited a few times before that holiday. It’s beautiful green rolling hills and peaceful hill towns depicted in Renaissance art by Raffaello Sanzio was my very first introduction and it is as beautiful as those masters painted it to be.

Verdicchio comes from the word verde which means green and also refers to the color of the wine which is straw with green hues. It grows in the Castelli di Jesi in the province of Ancona and in Metalica in the province of Macerata.

I had a discussion with my local wine shop the other day about which was considered the birthplace of Verdicchio but we didn’t have a final answer. Jesi is probably more well-known but they also have higher yields requirements. The yields for those made in Metalica are more restricted. The wines vary and change according to the soils and elevations of these two areas. I have had great wines from both areas.

Verdicchio also grows in Lazio and Umbria. Apparently it was widely planted in the 15th century.

A refreshing white with classic Italian bitter almond notes on the finish, Verdicchio is perfect for an aperitif or with light fare.

It has similarities to Greco and to Turbiana the grape made into Lugana wines. It’s a relative but not an exact replica of either. Like Lugana, Verdicchio can age although most drink it relatively young.

Some producers to try include Umani Ronchi, Villa Bucci and Velenosi Vini, among others.

This month’s #ItalianFWT gave me the opportunity to do just that and search for Verdicchio. I found a couple in wine stores near my home but not as many as I would have liked. I think the grape should be more widely shared but perhaps that will come again just as it has for Soave.

I’m excited to read everyone’s posts and to chat tomorrow on Twitter.

On the first Saturday of the month, the Italian Food Wine & Travel bloggers post about a grape varietal or a specific region. This month, Camilla Mann hosts and is leading us to focus on Spring and the Verdicchio grape. Join the chat and check out the following posts. Live #ItalianFWT Twitter Chat April 7, 11 a.m. ET: Participating bloggers and others interested in the subject will connect via a live Twitter chat today.

Our Line-Up:

Jeff at FoodWineClick! gives us a A Wine Pairing Lesson with Verdicchio.

Camilla at Culinary Adventures with Camilla pours Bisci Verdicchio di Matelica with a Panzanella di Primavera.

Wendy at A Day in the Life on the Farm serves up Scallop Crudo with Verdicchio.

Katarina at Grapevine Adventures offers a Multinational Spring Lunch with Verdicchio.

Jane at Always Ravenous shares Verdicchio Paired with the Flavors of Spring.

Nicole at Somm’s Table posts Cooking to the Wine: Azienda Santa Barbara Verdicchio and Tuna Melts.

Lauren at The Swirling Dervish pairs Verdicchio and Roasted Vegetables: A Match Made in Heaven.

Lynn at Savor the Harvest has A Spring Date With Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi.

Jennifer of Vino Travels shares Verdicchio of the Marche with Tenuta di Tavignano.

And here at Avvinare, I’m listening as Verdicchio Sings of Spring.