Graphic designer Andrea Sopranzi hails from Marche, an under-the-radar Italian region with no lack of Renaissance towns and mountain ranges. Andrea reveals where to get Marche’s favourite salami, the place to see sunsets and sunrises over the sea, and the winery to go for Rosso Conero wines.
Photo: Andrea Sopranzi
What do you feel defines the cuisine in Marche?
Tradition, love, taste and colour. Marche food, just like the region itself, is varied and delicious! It produces a varied and seasonal cuisine and truly distinctive wines.
Is there a particular winery that you like?
There is a very special winery in Ancona called Cantine Moroder. The location is pretty suggestive, it is located in the middle of the hills of the region and they produce one of the most famous wine of Marche – the Rosso Conero.
What makes the Rosso Conero wine so unique?
This red wine takes its name from Monte Conero. The conditions here are special – the coast is near and being close to the sea gives a milder climate. Temperatures are not so high and the soil is calcareous. It has a deep red colour, intense aromas and flavours of black cherries intertwined with Mediterranean herbs and firm tannins.
Photo: Andrea Sopranzi
What is the one local dish you feel travellers can’t leave Marche without trying?
I would say ciauscolo, which is a variety of Italian salami. It is very soft and can be spread on bread, with a tasty slice of cheese. Delicious!
Where should we look for ciauscolo?
I would recommend Azienda Agricola di Maggi e Vecchioni in Serrapetrona.
Where do you love to eat in the region?
Just to name a few, Le Clarisse in Sarnano, Osteria dalla Peppa in Fano, Ragno D’Oro in Urbino, and Casa Tintoria in Urbania. There are so many good restaurants in my region, especially in the hinterland, hidden in beautiful little villages!
Ancona. Photo: Andrea Sopranzi
Name one best kept secret of Marche
Definitely not a secret… But many people do not know that in some cities of Marche’s coast, you can see both the sunset and the sunrise over the sea! You can always see the sunrise over the sea in every city of the coast. But if you visit Baia Flaminia in Pesaro or the Cathedral of San Ciriaco in Ancona, you can also enjoy a beautiful sunset over the sea!
What about the perfect itinerary to explore the region?
Marche is a vast and diverse region. I would recommend a visit to the National Park of Sibillini Mountains, and then move to the coast and admire the Monte Conero and the beautiful surrounding beaches. Going to the north, there are many villages in the hinterland to see: one of my favourites is Urbino, a place rich in culture, history and good food – a cradle of the Italian Renaissance.
Monte Conero. Photo: Andrea Sopranzi
Urbino. Photo: Andrea Sopranzi
Where can we go to see your favourite view of Marche?
Before arriving in Mezzavalle, a beach near Ancona, you can admire the Monte Conero and the surrounding sea. A breathtaking view which, every time, leaves me speechless!
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