Even as the one-time proprietor of a site called Undiscovered Italy, Ascoli Piceno – the southernmost province within Marche – was not particularly high on my list of must-visit Italian locales. Despite off-the-beaten-path cache, it’s simply not on the radar for many Americans. Luckily for me, I befriended a wine importer named Jack who specializes here because his family hails from the region. He also happens to own an apartment in the little hill town of Ripatransone that was, fortuitously, available for my family to use.
Though there’s certainly more of Italy that I haven’t seen than have, I would consider myself relatively well traveled on the boot. Most of the big cities are covered, as well as many of the famous secondary spots, like Tuscany’s Val d’Orcia and the Amalfi Coast. I don’t share this to brag, only to point out the importance of this next statement: I was completely unprepared for the beauty that awaited us in Marche.
From Jack’s rooftop terrace at the top of Ripatransone’s hill, a glance to the left shows blue as far as the eye can see, the lovely azzuro of the Adriatic. To the right looms Gran Sasso, the highest peak in the Apennine mountains that form the country’s spine, looming over the rolling Tuscan-style hills that dot the area that’s been recently ravaged by earthquakes. It’s all here, especially from a culinary perspective. Fresh fish from the sea, mountain meats and cheeses, hillside wines. And gorgeous doesn’t even begin to describe the views.
Relishing Ripatransone
Affectionately known as Ripa, it’s a medium-sized hill town, far smaller than an Orvieto or Montepulciano but large enough to be a destination for those passing through the area. Inhabited since prehistoric times, it was first unified as a town in 1096. Though it lacks the grandiose central piazza of more famous countryside towns, strolling the cobbled streets and medieval walls is a lovely pastime, as is pausing at the central cafe for an espresso, pastry or gelato and gazing up at the main cathedral.
And, for those who revel in giant ball of twine or Cadillac Ranch-style attractions, Ripa has its own: il vicolo più stretto d’Italia, the narrowest alley in all of Italy. This tiny little passageway located just off the town’s largest piazza is just 43cm wide at the entrance, narrowing yet further to 38cm at its thinnest point. Though it might seem silly, squeezing oneself down it is a fun, free and memorable activity for all ages.
Nearby Towns
A few km down the hill on the sea is Grottammare, a more modern town that wouldn’t be particularly memorable if not for its lovely shorefront. Marked by a wide promenade that’s perfect for walking, biking or just a leisurely stroll, it’s also great for people watching during the high season, when beaches packed with Italians suggest that this place is hardly undiscovered in Italy.
If crowded beaches don’t sound like a good time, head to Chalet Fabio towards the southern end of the walkway, just past the red clay tennis courts. Rent an umbrella and chairs from this family-friendly spot and spend a lazy day staring out at the sea, bathing in the calm waters and enjoying Fabio’s shellfish on the terrace.
Not far from Ripa is Offida, another quaint hill town worth a quick visit. Highlights include the magnificent church of Santa Maria della Rocca, whose brooding facade is accentuated by the ravine that falls drastically off the other three sides. (Which is, amazingly, said to have occurred after the church was built.)
Further afield is the town of Ascoli Piceno itself, known for travertine churches.
Wineries to Know
Though there are, not surprisingly, many wineries in the Ascoli Piceno region, for now I’ll focus specifically on those located in and around Ripatransone.
Perhaps the finest – in terms of wine – is Le Caniette, run by Giovanni Vagnoni, a fourth-generation winemaker. Though all the wines here were delicious, one standout was Io Sono Gaia (non sono Lucrezia), a name created by Vagnoni’s younger daughter. “Our Passerina is called Lucrezia, after my eldest daughter,” he tells me. “So people were always asking Gaia, my youngest, if she was Lucrezia. When I asked her to design a label for my new wine, this is what she gave me.”
Cinabro, a red made exclusively from Bordò — an ancient biotype of Grenache that still grows in Marche — is the most notable red from Le Canniete (among a cadre of greats). Beyond the fascinating story of this grape — which I’ll save for another time — it is an elegant, nuanced and beguiling wine that’s both unique and unmistakably Italian.
The area’s important area winery is Tenuta Cocci Grifoni, former home of the late Guido Cocci Grifoni, the man known for bringing back the Pecorino grape from the edge of extinction and the driving force behind the growing Offida DOCG focused on said grape.
A brilliant glass-enclosed tasting room and balcony greets guests, who can sample Cocci Grifoni’s excellent line of Pecorino and red blends alongside locally-made salumi and other tasty snacks. We felt particularly honored to taste the first vintage (2013) of Guido Cocci Grifoni Pecorino, made from grapes grown exclusively in the “mother vineyard” where Cocci Grifoni began his Pecorino experiments.
Lastly is Colli Ripani, the large co-op in the region that produces both widely-available, supermarket-level wines as well as higher-end bottles worth seeking. Though not a particularly exciting place to visit (for the most part it is just another industrial wine factory), they do offer regular dinners and other wine events. Otherwise, be sure to order a bottle at one of the many cafes and trattorias in the nearby towns. In particular, the muscular Leo Ripanus red can hold its own with plenty of Napa Cabs, at about a quarter of the price.
#ItalianFWT
This post was part of the November #ItalianFWT twitter group, hosted by Danielle Oteri, on the topic of unique towns of Italy. Check out the other posts below:
- Lugana: Italy’s (Mostly) Hidden Gem by Martin Redmond, ENOFYLZ Wine Blog
- Going Home to Capaccio-Paestum by Danielle Oteri, Feast On History
- A Weekend Guide To Visiting Camogli by Valerie Quintanilla, Girl’s Gotta Drink
- Norcia: Gastronomic Delights and Tragic Earthquake by Chandi Wyant, Paradise of Exiles
- Wines on the Island of Sardinia with Vigne Surrau by Jennifer Genitle Martin, Vino Travels
- Picturesque Pienza: The Ideal Renaissance Town by Li Valentine, The Wining Hour