Velenosi Srl
(Winery in Piceno)

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About Winery and Wines

Cantina Velenosi was founded in 1984 by Angela and Ercole Velenosi, with the company officially forming as Velenosi Srl in 2005 with the expertise of Dr. Paolo Garbini. Located in the heart of Ascoli Piceno, in the Marche region, just 20 kilometers from the Adriatic Sea, the winery benefits from fertile, clay-rich soils along the picturesque Tronto River valley, ideal for vine cultivation.

The winery’s estates extend across several locations, including Ascoli Piceno, Castorano, Monsampolo del Tronto, and Castel di Lama, with additional vineyards in Ancarano (TE) and San Marcello (AN) near the Castelli di Jesi. These diverse vineyards contribute to the creation of exceptional wines that have received critical acclaim from renowned publications such as Wine Spectator, Robert Parker, Gambero Rosso, and Luca Maroni.

Today, Cantina Velenosi produces approximately 2.5 million bottles annually, with a presence in 52 countries worldwide. Their winemaking philosophy is rooted in the harmonious balance between tradition and innovation, combining ancient techniques with state-of-the-art technology. Guided by values of clarity, sincerity, and passion, the Velenosi team — along with esteemed consultants like Attilio Pagli and Cesare Ferrari—pursue the perfect equilibrium between flavor, color, and aroma.

The winery’s commitment to quality, from the precise timing of the harvest to the meticulous crafting of wines, ensures that every bottle reflects the authenticity and richness of the Piceno terroir.

Crowned by hills stretching toward the sea, the vineyards of Cantina Velenosi absorb the authentic flavors of the Piceno territory, returning them in the colorful highlights of their wines. With clay-rich, fertile soils and vines steeped in history, the winery embraces both indigenous and international varieties to tell the story of this remarkable region, offering nature poured into every glass.

One of the key grape varieties, Passerina, has long been valued by winemakers for its generous and consistent yield. Known by various names, such as "golden grape" or "debt-remover," it has traditionally been grown across the Adriatic coast and beyond. Passerina’s vinification highlights high juice yields, balanced sugar and acidity levels, and a distinctive aromatic profile, making it ideal for young wines and sparkling wines, particularly with the Charmat (Martinotti) method. The variety also plays a role in DOCG Offida Passerina and DOC Falerio, Terre di Offida, and other IGT wines of central Italy.

Another standout variety in the Piceno area is Pecorino, native to the Apennine mountainsides of Marche and Abruzzo. Known for its resilience to harsh climates and poor soils, this variety delivers wines with robust acidity and a fresh profile reminiscent of yellow citrus and wild herbs. Pecorino is featured in DOCG Offida, DOC Falerio, and Colli Maceratesi Bianco, making it a staple in the region’s viticultural heritage.

When it comes to Verdicchio, thoughts immediately turn to the Marche region. The most widespread indigenous white grape here, Verdicchio thrives in the Castelli di Jesi and Matelica areas. Its adaptability allows it to create wines with vibrant citrus notes or more complex, candied fruit flavors when harvested at full ripeness. Verdicchio's versatility and connection to the region have made it one of the most celebrated varieties of Marche.

Trebbiano has a long history in Italy, with its presence documented as far back as Pliny the Elder’s works. Widely planted, Trebbiano Toscano is known for its consistent, high yields, which historically made it a favorite among winegrowers. When blended with Pecorino and Passerina, it forms part of the Falerio DOC, delivering fresh, young wines with a unique complexity.

The ever-popular Chardonnay, a global star of white wines, also finds a place at Cantina Velenosi, producing both still and sparkling wines. Its versatility allows it to adapt to different terroirs, bringing out tropical fruit notes in warm climates and fresh, crisp flavors in cooler regions.

Among the red varieties, Montepulciano reigns supreme in the central Adriatic region, with its origins in Valle Peligna. Known for its deep color, rich extract, and velvety tannins, Montepulciano forms the backbone of Rosso Piceno, one of the most iconic appellations in Marche.

Equally significant is Sangiovese, Italy's most famous black grape variety. Its adaptability to different soils and climates has resulted in numerous biotypes, including Brunello, Morellino, and Prugnolo Gentile. In Marche, Sangiovese is blended with Montepulciano to create Rosso Piceno Superiore, a wine that combines the strength of Montepulciano with Sangiovese's elegance.

The unique Lacrima Nera finds its home in Morro d’Alba, near Senigallia. Known for its tear-drop-like juice exuding from split grape skins during harvest, this semi-aromatic variety offers floral scents of violet and rose. Its rich tannins give the Superiore version unexpected longevity.

At Cantina Velenosi, international varieties such as Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Pinot Nero are used to complement the indigenous grapes. Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon add body and structure to blends, while Pinot Nero contributes finesse and delicate berry aromas to the winery's sparkling wines.

For over 35 years, Cantina Velenosi has masterfully combined artisan tradition with modern technology, crafting wines that represent the beauty and heritage of the Piceno area.

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