The Marches region stretches east from Tuscany and Umbria to the Adriatic coast, from rolling hills to coastal plain, resulting in marked differences in climate. It is famed for producing Verdicchio wines of richness and great character, seldom found in other Italian white wines, as well as outstanding Montepulciano red wines. Marche`s winemaking heritage spans thousands of years and has been influenced, among others, by the Etruscans, Romans and Lombards. The presence of these various cultures goes a long way to explaining the breadth of vinicultural tradition and wine styles in the region. Due to the influences of the Apennines, the Adriatic and the region`s rivers (the Metauro, Potenza, Tronto and Nera), there are various climates at work in Marche.