The Serrapetrona DOC is an appellation in the Marche. It was recognised by the decree of 18 August 2004, when the old Vernaccia di Serrapetrona DOC became a DOCG. It is small: about 14 hectares, with an output of 415 hectolitres. The grapes come from the municipality of Serrapetrona and from part of those of Belforte del Chienti and San Severino Marche.
The history of Vernaccia Nera
A first reference to the vine dates back to 1132, when a vine with bunches was depicted in the town's coat of arms; wine production in Serrapetrona dates from the fifteenth century. In 1562 viticulture in the Camerino area was well developed, above all in Borgiano and Castel San Venanzo, today hamlets of Serrapetrona. In 1876 the «Bollettino Ampelografico» of the Ministry of Agriculture wrote that Vernaccia «was declared the first of the coloured grapes for providing excellent table wines». Yet production declined, and by 1893 it was so small that the grape was believed extinct.
The Rosso
The DOC has a single wine, the Rosso, from at least 85% Vernaccia Nera. It ages at least ten months and is released from 1 October of the year after the harvest. The minimum alcohol is 12%.
