Falerio DOC

Falerio DOC sits in the southern reaches of the Marche region, occupying the Colli Ascolani foothills of the central Apennines. The denomination covers the provinces of Ascoli Piceno and Fermo, encompassing towns including Civitanova Marche, San Benedetto del Tronto, and Ascoli Piceno itself. Vineyards lie primarily at 150 to 250 metres above sea level, though the DOC permits plantings up to 700 metres. The Adriatic Sea lies to the east, while the Sibillini Mountains sit roughly 40 kilometres to the west, creating the climatic conditions that define the appellation.

• Located in Ascoli Piceno and Fermo provinces in southern Marche
• Vineyards at 150-250 metres elevation; maximum permitted 700 metres
• Adriatic Sea to the east, Sibillini Mountains approximately 40km to the west
• Encompasses Civitanova Marche, San Benedetto del Tronto, and Ascoli Piceno

Falerio benefits from a Mediterranean climate characterised by warm, dry summers and mild, wet winters. Annual rainfall averages 800 to 900 millimetres, providing adequate moisture through the dormant season. Soils vary across the appellation, with clay-loam, calcareous, and sandy soils all present. This combination of soil diversity and the moderating influences of both the Adriatic and the Apennine foothills gives well-made Falerio its characteristic mineral depth alongside fresh acidity.

• Mediterranean climate with warm, dry summers and mild, wet winters
• Average annual rainfall 800-900mm
• Soils include clay-loam, calcareous, and sandy types
• Proximity to both the Adriatic and Apennine foothills moderates temperatures

Falerio produces exclusively dry white wines. The Bianco blend requires 20 to 50 percent Trebbiano Toscano, 10 to 30 percent Passerina, and 10 to 30 percent Pecorino, with a maximum of 20 percent other authorised white varieties. Minimum alcohol for the Bianco is 11.5 percent. A varietal Pecorino designation also exists, requiring a minimum of 85 percent Pecorino and at least 12 percent alcohol. Pecorino's emergence as a varietal wine is closely tied to Tenuta Cocci Grifoni, which pioneered the style in 1990 with just 1,800 bottles.

• Bianco blend: 20-50% Trebbiano Toscano, 10-30% Passerina, 10-30% Pecorino, max 20% others
• Pecorino varietal requires minimum 85% Pecorino and 12% alcohol
• Minimum alcohol 11.5% for Bianco, 12% for Pecorino
• Tenuta Cocci Grifoni produced the first varietal Pecorino in 1990

Falerio takes its name from the ancient Roman city of Falerio, which corresponds to the modern municipality of Falerone. The DOC was established in 1975 under the name Falerio dei Colli Ascolani, making it the original and, for a time, the only white wine DOC in southern Marche. That distinction was shared when Offida DOCG was created in the mid-1990s. The name was officially simplified to Falerio DOC in 2013. Today the appellation counts 366 producers in total, including 301 grape growers, 54 wine producers, and 73 bottlers.

• DOC established 1975 as Falerio dei Colli Ascolani; simplified to Falerio DOC in 2013
• Named after the ancient Roman city of Falerio, now the municipality of Falerone
• Originally the only white wine DOC in southern Marche until Offida DOCG was created in the mid-1990s
• 366 total producers: 301 grape growers, 54 wine producers, 73 bottlers