Grand Cru is back again after a nice relaxing weekend. Hope you all enjoyed yours just as much. Now that we're back why not come and grab one of these? The producers from Marche really don't mess around...

The Cantine Belisario co-operative was founded in 1971. Today, it is the biggest producer of Verdicchio in the Matelica DOC, a smaller zone than Castello di Jesi. The climate here is more continental than in Castelli di Jesi and the combination of warm days and cool nights gives a longer growing season, and lovely aromatic qualities to the wines.

The vineyard is located in the Le Marche region, in the Conero Riviera and Natural Park. Surrounded by hills and sea, this is one of the most evocatively beautiful areas on the Adriatic coast. The soil here is rich in limestone and marl. The vineyard's distinctive geographical and climactic features combine to produce grapes of exceptional quality.

A mild winter and spring saw vines developing around two weeks ahead of schedule in April. However, clouds and cool days slowed things down quickly and a wet summer made for a lot of work in the vineyards. Disease pressure meant that vineyard management and selection was necessary in order to harvest healthy grapes. Yields were lower than 2013’s bumper crop and slightly below average for the region. The weather in September and during harvest was good and as a result many producers are pleased with the vintage as a whole.

Cantine Belisario Rosso Conero 2015 @ £13.95 - Buy it here!

The wine opens with earthy aromas of tilled soil along with notes of cherries, black fruit and espresso. The palate delivers bright red cherries, notes of mocha and a good tannic structure, making the wine very pleasant and enjoyable to drink.

Easily one of the most popular wines in the shop right now. Can't argue with that. Come and grab a couple. Cheers!