Marco Verona

Marco Verona is an artisanal, natural wine producer located in the Tuscany region of Italy. The winery is a very small-scale project, with a strong focus on "heroic viticulture" and traditional, low-intervention methods.

History and Location

  • Location: The winery is situated in the municipality of Massa, in the northern part of Tuscany, a few kilometers from the Ligurian border. The vineyards are terraced, on very steep slopes that are exposed to the south. This "heroic" viticulture means all vineyard work is done by hand.

  • The Founder: The winery is named after its founder, Marco Verona. He is a young winemaker dedicated to reviving the traditional winemaking of this specific terroir. His philosophy is rooted in a deep respect for the land and its history.

Winemaking Philosophy

Marco Verona's winemaking is a direct reflection of his commitment to natural and low-intervention practices.

  • Organic Farming: The vineyards are farmed organically, without the use of insecticides, herbicides, or any type of fertilization. The difficult, steep terrain and the constant air circulation from the nearby sea help to keep the vines healthy naturally.

  • Indigenous Grapes: He works with a traditional "mixed rows" vineyard, which is a historical practice in which multiple grape varieties are planted together. This includes Vermentino, Malvasia di Candia, Trebbiano, and Albarola.

  • Minimal Intervention: In the cellar, his approach is hands-off.

    • Spontaneous Fermentation: Fermentation is done with indigenous yeasts.

    • No Filtration: The wines are not clarified or filtered, preserving their natural character.

    • Minimal Sulfur: The use of sulfur is kept to a minimum, with a focus on avoiding bacterial contamination and excessive oxidation.

    • Skin Contact: The white wines undergo a brief period of skin contact, adding texture and complexity.

  • Limited Production: Due to the small size of the vineyards and the hands-on nature of the work, production is extremely limited.

Notable Wines

Marco Verona's wines are celebrated for their rustic, authentic character and their unique expression of the local terroir.

  • "Sedì": This is a white wine, often a blend of Vermentino and other white grapes from his mixed vineyard. It's known for its intense straw-yellow color, and on the palate, it is persistent, saline, and mineral, with a fresh yet rounded feel.

  • "In Fermento": A naturally sparkling white wine made using the "ancestral method" (pét-nat). It is a vibrant, unfiltered expression of the local grapes.

  • "Bacca Nera": A red wine made from a blend of local red grapes. It's known for its vibrant red fruit and rustic character.