I believe in marriages, preferably love matches. A perfect love match celebrated in the Marche is the one between Ciauscolo and the Vernaccia di Serrapetrona Spumante Docg.
Ciauscolo is a very ancient cured meat, originating in the Macerata area and later spreading throughout central Italy; it owes its name to the Latin cibus culum, meaning "small food," traditionally used as a spread on slices of bread for snacks, or to enrich sauces and soups.
What makes this product distinctive – made from selected cuts of Italian large white pork – is its spreadable texture, the result of a high fat content and repeated grinding with crushed garlic, cooked wine, and stuffed as "ntillu ciausculu."
Before being consumed, it is left to rest for several days near a fireplace. In the production area, you can find artisans who offer additive-free products, made from Marche pigs and cave-aged – bring one home and you will have an exceptional cured meat at a very reasonable price.
To celebrate a good marriage you need two, and there is nothing better than a dry sparkling Vernaccia di Serrapetrona to accompany this salumi on slices of bread toasted over embers.
Vernaccia, from the Latin vernacula – meaning "of the place" – refers to various grape varieties scattered throughout Italy, the most famous of which are Vernaccia di San Gimignano and Vernaccia di Oristano.
Vernaccia di Serrapetrona is a little-known autochthonous variety from the Marche, grown on just 66 hectares in Serrapetrona, a magnificent medieval village in the province of Macerata perched on the hills at around 500 metres, overlooking Lake Borgiano.
This wine is truly unique – a dry sparkling red Docg made from Vernaccia nera grapes, which the production regulations subject to no fewer than three fermentations: the first involves the grapes harvested after the vintage, approximately 60%; the second takes place at the end of winter using grapes that have undergone natural drying for the remaining 40%; while the third fermentation occurs in an autoclave to achieve the sparkling mousse via the Charmat method.
The regulations – among the few in Italy – not only require that the vineyards be located within the Serrapetrona area, but also that the entire winemaking and bottling process take place on site. Particularly excellent is the dry sparkling Vernaccia Docg from Colleluce di Franca Malavolta, with south-east facing vineyards at around 500 metres altitude – fragrant with wild berries and spices, its rich violet mousse glides smooth and captivating across the palate.
Absolutely to be tried with local Ciauscolo to celebrate a unique and unforgettable match.
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