For the Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi, the guiding principle is clear: rebalancing. Ahead of the 2026 harvest, the Istituto Marchigiano di Tutela Vini has opted for a prudent approach for one of the Marche’s most representative denominations, approving measures designed to manage supply and curb the impact of the substantial stocks accumulated in recent years. Yield reductions and surplus storage are the tools identified to safeguard the denomination’s value, support the supply chain and maintain balanced market conditions.
IMT adopts a cautious supply‑management strategy
The Assembly of the Istituto Marchigiano di Tutela Vini has formally requested that the Marche Region extend the production limits already in place for the upcoming harvest.
The main measure confirms the yield cap at 110 quintals per hectare, instead of the 140 quintals allowed by the production regulations.
This decision is paired with a provision for storing grapes produced beyond that threshold, up to a maximum of 21 quintals per hectare, with the block remaining in force until 30 June 2027.
The goal is to act preventively on product availability, avoiding imbalances that could negatively affect the market and the remuneration of the supply chain.
Michele Bernetti: “Responsible choices to safeguard the supply chain”
Michele Bernetti, president of the Istituto Marchigiano di Tutela Vini, highlighted the strategic value of the measures adopted.
“The sector requires particular attention at both national and regional level,” Bernetti said. “We are very satisfied with the responsible decisions taken by the Assembly. The aim is to contain stock levels, which have grown significantly even after the abundant 2025 harvest, while ensuring proper price dynamics and safeguarding the supply chain at every level. We are aware that we have a contemporary, high‑quality wine capable of competing on national and international markets; in this sense, we welcome the recent arrival of new operators in our area.”
His remarks underline a strategy focused on preserving the denomination’s economic value without compromising future growth prospects.
Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi: a central denomination for Marche wine
The Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi is one of the pillars of the regional wine sector.
The denomination produces around 90,000 hectolitres of bottled wine each year and stands among the Marche’s leading qualitative and productive expressions.
The area covers 25 municipalities and includes nearly 1,900 hectares of registered vineyards. Production exceeds 103,000 hectolitres, about 90% of which is bottled, totalling roughly 13 million bottles.
The supply chain involves 338 growers and 129 producers, confirming its role as a major economic and employment driver for the territory.
The Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi also maintains a strong international presence. Exports account for 51% of total sales, with European markets absorbing 76% of shipments.
Key destinations include the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, the United States, Germany and Sweden.
Asian markets are showing particularly interesting growth, especially Japan, helping offset the difficulties encountered in the U.S. market.
Alongside production‑containment measures, IMT considers it essential to strengthen promotion, as director Alberto Mazzoni explains:
“Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi represents an important share of the value of our denominations, and some commercial indicators show overall stability, with bottled volumes up +2.7% in the first half of the year and only a slight decline in domestic retail. Our work will therefore focus on two levels: first, containment and rebalancing, including structural measures; second, the need to launch a unified and continuous promotional campaign for Marche wines, to be developed over no fewer than four years.”
A strategy looking to the future
The Consorzio’s initiative comes at a delicate moment for the wine sector, marked by the need to balance economic sustainability, stock management and international competitiveness.
Through yield cuts and storage measures, the Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi aims to protect the denomination’s value and ensure stability for the supply chain.
At the same time, IMT’s invitation to other denominations to consider similar actions confirms the intention to address surplus volumes in a coordinated and responsible manner.
For the great white wine of the Marche, the 2026 harvest begins under the banner of prudence — but also with the awareness of possessing the qualities needed to continue competing on both national and international markets.
