Vernaccia Nera is a distinctive red grape variety predominantly grown in the central Italian region of Marche, particularly around the town of Serrapetrona. Renowned for its expressive aromatic profile, Vernaccia Nera offers vibrant notes of black cherry, wild berries and plum, often interwoven with hints of black pepper, clove and floral undertones such as violet. On the palate, these wines typically display a medium body with lively acidity and well-integrated tannins, contributing to an elegant yet structured mouthfeel. An intriguing facet of Vernaccia Nera is its versatility; it is primarily used for producing both still and sparkling red wines, notably the DOCG wine “Vernaccia di Serrapetrona”, a unique sparkling red made by combining partially dried and fresh grapes. Dry styles show freshness and fruit-forward expressions, while the sparkling and semi-sweet versions enhance the grape’s spicy and aromatic characteristics. When it comes to food pairings, Vernaccia Nera complements a range of dishes such as cured meats, mature cheeses, roasted game and spicy sausages. Its spicy and floral notes also make it an excellent partner for lamb stews, hearty mushroom dishes and traditional Marche recipes.
