La Monacesca ‘Mirum’ is a Verdicchio masterclass. The grapes are sourced from a 3 hectare south facing vineyard in the commune of Matelica. They are picked over ripe and lightly pressed with no use of SO2 before being aged in steel for 18 months and a further 6 months in glass. It is an incredibly aromatic wine with ripe citrus, baked bread and almond notes. It is rich and supple with a long finish.

Aldo Cifola runs this 22ha estate which is no stranger to winning the ‘Three Glass’ top award from Gambero Rosso. There is no rocket science here: just low yielding, late harvest, old vine Verdicchio sourced from a marvellous parcel high in the Apennines. The cold nights and hot days in the Matelica valley deliver a rare balance of lively acidity and high alcohol reminiscent of Burgundian white. None of the white wines sees any oak as Aldo believes that barrel ageing is superfluous if the quality of fruit is sufficient. This is one of Italy's finest white wines.