Regions

I Terreni di San Severino DOC

Key Italian Terms

One of Italy's smallest DOCs, rooted in centuries of winemaking history in the rolling hills of Marche.

I Terreni di San Severino DOC is a tiny appellation in the province of Macerata, Marche, built around the rare Vernaccia Nera grape. Granted DOC status in 2006, it produces red wines ranging from dry Rosso to rich Passito, all with mandatory aging requirements.

History and Heritage

Viticulture in San Severino has a plurisecular history, stretching back to the town's origins as the Roman colony of Settempeda. Written records document wine gifting as far back as the 14th and 15th centuries, including presentations to Pope Urbano V in 1370 and Pope Pio II in 1458. The area received formal DOC recognition in 2006, giving institutional shape to a tradition that had existed for hundreds of years.

San Severino was originally the Roman colony of Settempeda
Wine presented to Pope Urbano V in 1370 and Pope Pio II in 1458
DOC status established in 2006
Among the smallest DOC appellations in all of Italy

Key Facts

DOC status granted in 2006; one of Italy's smallest appellations
Located in the municipality of San Severino Marche, province of Macerata
Principal grapes: Vernaccia Nera and Montepulciano
Four wine styles: Rosso, Rosso Superiore, Moro, and Passito
Rosso and Moro require a minimum of 18 months aging
Rosso Superiore and Passito require a minimum of 24 months aging
Vineyards sit at up to 500 meters elevation on clay, limestone, and sandy soils

Location and Terroir

The appellation covers the municipality of San Severino Marche in the province of Macerata, set within the rolling hilly terrain of the Apennine range. Vineyards reach up to 500 meters in elevation, with soils composed of clay, limestone, and sand. The climate is broadly Mediterranean, with warm, dry summers and mild, wet winters, but the inland position introduces a continental influence that brings cooler nights, helping to preserve freshness and structure in the wines.

Situated in the Apennine foothills, province of Macerata, Marche
Vineyards up to 500 meters elevation
Clay, limestone, and sandy soils across the zone
Inland continental influence moderates the Mediterranean climate with cooler nights

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Grapes and Wine Styles

The DOC centers on two grapes: Vernaccia Nera and Montepulciano. Vernaccia Nera anchors both the Rosso and the Passito styles, each of which requires a minimum of 50% of the variety. The Moro style shifts the focus to Montepulciano, which must make up at least 60% of the blend. All four styles, Rosso, Rosso Superiore, Moro, and Passito, must meet defined aging requirements before release. The Passito is a dried-grape sweet wine, offering a richer, more concentrated expression of Vernaccia Nera.

Rosso and Passito: minimum 50% Vernaccia Nera
Moro: minimum 60% Montepulciano
Rosso and Moro: minimum 18 months aging
Rosso Superiore and Passito: minimum 24 months aging

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Producers

Given the appellation's small footprint, the number of producers working within the DOC is limited. Fattoria Colmone della Marca is the notable producer associated with the zone, representing the local commitment to preserving the identity of Vernaccia Nera and the broader San Severino wine tradition.

Fattoria Colmone della Marca is the key producer in the DOC
Small producer base reflects the appellation's limited geographic scope
Focus on indigenous varieties distinguishes the zone from larger neighboring DOCs

Flavor Profile

Reds based on Vernaccia Nera tend toward medium-to-full body with dark fruit character, earthy notes, and firm tannins shaped by mandatory aging. The Moro, with its higher Montepulciano component, delivers deeper color and robust structure. The Passito offers concentrated sweetness with dried fruit intensity from the drying process.

Food Pairings

Braised lamb with rosemary and garlicAged pecorino and local cured meatsWild boar ragu with fresh pastaGrilled pork sausagesPassito with almond biscotti or hard cheeses

Wines to Try

Fattoria Colmone della Marca Rosso I Terreni di San Severino$20-35
The benchmark producer of the DOC, showcasing Vernaccia Nera with mandatory aging and regional typicity.
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Fattoria Colmone della Marca Moro I Terreni di San Severino$25-40
Montepulciano-dominant blend delivering deeper color and structure from the San Severino highlands.
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Fattoria Colmone della Marca Passito I Terreni di San Severino$45-65
Dried-grape sweet wine from Vernaccia Nera with 24 months minimum aging and concentrated fruit character.
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How to Say It

I Terreni di San Severinoee teh-REH-nee dee san seh-veh-REE-no

Vernaccia Neraver-NAH-cha NEH-ra

Montepulcianomon-teh-pul-CHA-no

Passitopah-SEE-to

Maceratama-che-RAH-ta

Exam Study NotesWSET / CMS

DOC established in 2006; one of Italy's smallest appellations, municipality of San Severino Marche, province of Macerata
Four styles: Rosso, Rosso Superiore, Moro, Passito; Rosso and Passito require minimum 50% Vernaccia Nera; Moro requires minimum 60% Montepulciano
Aging minimums: Rosso and Moro 18 months; Rosso Superiore and Passito 24 months
Vineyards at up to 500m on clay, limestone, and sandy soils; inland Apennine position brings continental influence
Historical wine gifting to Pope Urbano V (1370) and Pope Pio II (1458) documents centuries of viticulture

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