TENUTA DELL'UGOLINO
Tenuta dell’Ugolino is a family estate winery located in Castelplanio, one of the best-suited production area for Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi, nestled between the Apennine Mountains and the Adriatic Sea.
Our organic wines stand out for their crisp freshness, vibrant acidity, and subtle saline notes that reflect the proximity of the sea. Citrus fruits, white flowers, and light almond bitterness, all complemented by a distinct minerality, which is a true expression of the calcareous and clay-rich soil of our vineyards. These characteristics make our Verdicchio one of Italy's most age-worthy and versatile white wines.
Our organic cultivation and winemaking practices have always focused on sustainable and environmentally friendly methods, ensuring we preserve the gifts nature has given us.
For over 40 years, Tenuta dell’Ugolino has carried on the tradition of a family that has come to know and respect the land. Every bottle we produce tells a story of passion, dedication, and environmental respect, reflecting a deep connection to our territory and its extraordinary winemaking potential.
How did Tenuta dell'Ugolino came to life, and what values continue to inspire your work day after day?
Tenuta dell’Ugolino was born from our family’s deep love for the land and for the art of winemaking. It began as a small family dream — the desire to create wines that tell the story of our territory. Over the years, that dream has grown, but our heart and spirit remain the same: we work with passion, patience, and respect for nature.
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At the heart of everything we do is our family. Managing the estate together, we feel a deep sense of responsibility and a shared commitment to our land and our wines. Every day, we strive to carry forward the project our parents began — to grow, to improve, and to do better — while honouring the legacy they entrusted to us and the guiding spirit of family dedication.
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We stand on the shoulders of the generations who came before us, continuing to evolve — adapting to the climate, responding to changing tastes, and embracing new technologies — all while nurturing the same passion, care, and authenticity that define our wines.
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Every day, we are guided by the rhythms of the earth. We believe that great wine begins in the vineyard, with healthy soil and vines that live in harmony with their environment. That’s why we chose to be organic — it’s our way of protecting the life of the land that gives us so much. Each bottle we produce carries a piece of this place, a reflection of its light, its wind, and its soul.
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For us, winemaking is not just a craft — it’s a dialogue with nature, and a way to share its beauty with others. In every bottle, we aim to convey the essence of our unique Marche territory, the care of our family, and our constant desire to craft wines that express both tradition and innovation
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The rolling hills of the Marche and your native grape varieties are the soul of your wines — what does it mean to you to honor and interpret these vines while staying true to the land they come from?
The Marche region is one of Italy’s most distinctive wine areas, characterized by rolling hills, varied soils, and a climate shaped by its unique geography. To the east, the Adriatic Sea brings gentle, cooling breezes that preserve the freshness and aromatic complexity of the grapes, while the Apennine Mountains to the west create cooler nights and shelter the vineyards from extreme weather. This interplay of sea and mountains produces marked temperature swings between day and night, essential to the character of our wines.
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These geographic features create ideal conditions for cultivating Verdicchio, and it is this balance that gives the grape its signature vibrancy and harmony. The hilly terrain, with well-drained soils and optimal sun exposure, slows the ripening of the grapes, helping them maintain their natural acidity, elegance, and nuanced aromas. Here, in the gentle embrace of the hills, we work with care to let each vineyard reveal its own story, respecting the land and allowing it to speak through the grapes.
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Our goal is to produce wines that are fresh, clean, and healthy, reflecting both the essence of the territory and the character of Verdicchio. Each bottle expresses the hills, the sea, and the mountains, shaped by nature and by our careful, respectful approach to winemaking.
Climate change is reshaping the world of wine. What kind of challenges has it brought to your vineyards, and how are you responding to them?
Producing Verdicchio in the Marche region is one of our greatest challenges. Rising temperatures and irregular rainfall patterns can significantly affect grape ripening and the resulting acidity levels, both of which are essential to maintaining the distinctive freshness and balance that define Verdicchio wines.
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To adapt, we focus on very precise, almost tailor-made work in the vineyard. Each vineyard receives attention according to its unique exposure, the slope, the sun, and the wind all influence how we manage the vines. We carefully manage the canopy to protect the grape clusters from excessive sun and hail. This delicate “leaf work” helps us create the right microclimate around each bunch, preserving both quality and the typical character of this wonderful variety.
In addition, we use organic treatments based on orange and seaweed extracts to keep the leaves healthy and fresh during the hottest periods. This natural approach helps reduce plant stress and allows the vines to continue photosynthesizing in a healthy, sustainable way.
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For us, facing climate change is not about control, but about dialogue — a constant exchange with the earth. It’s about protecting its voice so that, through our Verdicchio, it can still be heard: pure, bright, and full of life
Tell us about the Marche — its grapes, its climate, its traditions. How do you see the region today compared to the one your parents knew? And could you paint us a picture of your vineyards and the landscape that surrounds them?
Tenuta dell’Ugolino is located in Castelplanio and is home to three distinctive vineyards producing Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi, each with its own character while united by the richness of the surrounding landscape.
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The Castelpiano vineyard, our oldest at thirty years, is where it all began. Nestled among spontaneous vegetation, with a small stream winding between two valleys, it creates a unique microclimate and notable temperature swings between day and night, contributing to the freshness and minerality of the wines. The area is alive with wildlife, deer, falcons, wild boars, and even wolves roam freely, adding a sense of untamed beauty to the surroundings.
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Nearby, the Montecarotto vineyard sits on deep, fertile soils, giving the wines structure and personality. The surrounding vegetation creates a wild yet harmonious atmosphere, reflecting the strength and character of the grapes.
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In Cupromontana, the vineyard in the renowned Contrada San Michele, benefits from its altitude, sun exposure, and the Adriatic breezes. Perched like a window to the sea, it opens onto a serene and inspiring landscape. This combination of conditions enhances aromatic complexity and elegance, giving the wines finesse and balance.
Together, these vineyards embody what we aim to convey with our organic wines: authenticity, harmony with nature, and the ability to express, in every bottle, the essence of this remarkable land.