Serrapetrona is an inland wine-growing area in the high hills of the Macerata region, situated between mountainous and hilly terrain, with vineyards generally located at altitudes of between 250 and 700 metres. The cool, breezy climate, characterised by moderate average temperatures and good rainfall, promotes slow ripening and a distinct expression of the grapes’ character. The soils range from the thin, stony, calcareous-marly soils of the higher areas to the sandy-clay soils of the hills, with sand and calcareous components that contribute to the structure and savouriness of the wines.
The signature grape variety is Vernaccia Nera, used as a single variety or as the predominant component in local appellations, alongside other authorised non-aromatic black grape varieties. The region produces both still red wines from the Serrapetrona DOC, which are intense and full-bodied, and Vernaccia di Serrapetrona DOCG, a sparkling wine available in both dry and sweet versions. Its production follows a distinctive tradition: a portion of the grapes is left to dry, then blended with the wine made from fresh grapes for subsequent natural fermentation and the second fermentation. With a history documented since at least the 15th century, Serrapetrona maintains a winemaking heritage closely linked to the topography of the slopes, the Vernaccia Nera grape and the practices handed down through the ages.