Tradition, biodiversity and sustainability

Azienda Agricola Clara Marcelli is an extraordinary example of how tradition, passion and sustainability can come together to create high-quality wines. With roots deeply connected to the agricultural culture of Le Marche and a philosophy based on organic farming, Clara Marcelli continues to represent one of the finest wine excellences of the Piceno area.

A family story and a passion for wine

The story of Cantina Clara Marcelli began in the 1960s with grandfather Giuseppe Colletta, who redeemed the land he had once worked as a sharecropper, turning it into family property. The winery officially came to life in 1992, when the parents of the current owners, Emanuele and Daniele Colletta, decided to found the estate with a clear vision: to produce high-quality wines that reflect the identity of the Marche territory, following the principles of organic farming.

The Colletta family’s goal has always been to enhance the Piceno area through the production of authentic wines that respect the environment. This passion for wine is carried forward today under the guidance of young oenologist Marco Casolanetti, a key figure in Marche viticulture. Marco has helped improve winemaking techniques while never betraying the original philosophy of the estate.

In 2005, Clara Marcelli expanded its production with a modern winery designed to reduce environmental impact. Thanks to the use of renewable energy and a semi-underground structure, the cellar maintains constant temperatures, ensuring the highest quality at every stage of winemaking.

The wine identity of Clara Marcelli

The vineyards of Azienda Agricola Clara Marcelli extend across 14 of the estate’s 40 total hectares, set among the gentle hills of the Piceno area at an altitude of 280 metres. This unique terroir is shaped by a microclimate influenced by sea breezes and the temperature variations of the Apennines, with tuffaceous soils rich in sandstone and fossils that contribute to the production of wines with an unmistakable character.

The choice to cultivate native grape varieties such as Montepulciano, Sangiovese, Pecorino and Passerina is an essential part of the winery’s philosophy. These varieties represent the richness of the Piceno area and are vinified with the utmost attention to quality. Harvesting is carried out by hand, with a rigorous selection of the grapes to ensure that only the best reaches the cellar.

The Colletta family has always adopted environmentally respectful farming practices, excluding the use of synthetic chemicals and promoting biodiversity. In recent years, Clara Marcelli has also invested in environmental protection by planting new woodland covering 6 hectares, helping to rebalance CO2 emissions. This choice, together with constant attention to the territory, reflects the Colletta family’s commitment to preserving the bond with nature, making sustainability and craftsmanship the pillars of their wine production.