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| Orvieto White Wines - Hidden Treasures from Umbria, Italy |
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| Photo Credit: ItalyFineWines |
Orvieto wines have been ‘hidden’ treasures from the general wine public partly because the wine zone is in Umbria (vs
Tuscany) and a couple other ‘big red’ Umbria wine zones (i.e., Montefalco DOC and
Montefalco Sagrantino DOCG) fetch more attention in the American wine market
due to more marketing efforts.
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| Photo Credit: Orvieto DOC |
Orvieto wines, which are
predominantly whites, deserve much more recognition - not only because of its
top-notch dry whites but also its history in winemaking history since Middle
Ages in Italy. It has also dominated the wine production in Umbria, approximating 80% of the region. The
lighter, mineral, and more refreshing whites are produced from indigenous grapes,
the Trebbianos, Verdello, Drupeggio, and the Malvasias. They are soft, deep
with distinct notes of almonds and chamomile and hints of crisp apples. Weighty
whites, which are blended with the Grechettos, are a pleasure to pair with seafood,
chicken, and pork and to be enjoyed in the summer or colder weather as well.
Although the winery was founded by Claudio Barbi in 1973, at Decugnano wine has been produced by monks back
in 1212, at least eight centuries ago. Barbi’s goals are to make high quality
and terroir-driven wines...not of a coincidence that manifests in the Mare Antico bottle. This is a
blend of excellence, which consists of 55% Grechetto, 20% Vermentino, 20% Chardonnay and 5% Procanico
and is fermented in stainless steel and 5% French oak barrel. Mare Antico 2019 expresses notes
of golden apple and mature zesty citrus. The palate is characterized by bright
acidity with a touch of salinity and minerality, and it closes out with a long
and lingering finish.
The Bonolle family is a
well-known national-wide spirit company. They have bought an estate in Orvieto area,
which has clay-based volcanic soil, aiming to make quality wines under the new re-brand Argillae in
2005. The Argillae Orvieto is
blended with Grechetto, Procanico, Malvasia di Candia and a small amount of
Chardonnay and Sauvignon. The wine was fermented in stainless steel tanks and
focuses on the expression of the grapes. A true poster child of Orvieto wines, the
Argillae Orvieto is a fresh dry wine, with intense aromas of flowers, citrus,
and tropical fruits. Broad to the nose and persistent on the palate, it charms
with its elegance and its engaging flower and fruit scents.
The Bigi winery and the city of Orvieto form one of the most inseparable pairings. The winery
was founded by Luigi Bigi in 1880 and it’s one of the oldest wineries that remains in Orvieto today. The Bigi Orvieto Classico is one of the ‘Grands Crus’ of the
area, which is made from 40% Trebbiano Toscano, 20% of Verdello, 20% of Grechetto,
and Drupeggio and Malvasia Toscano for the remaining 20%. This is one of the
most iconic wines of the area that is saline, supple and full-bodied.
In 2003, Laura and Chiara Custodi
started to make wines in their current land, which was bought back in 1965. The
difficult beginning didn’t deter the desire of the sisters from making wines
and good ones. For example, the Belloro Orvieto Classico is a fresh and lively
blend of Grechetto, Drupeggio, and Verdello.
- Wendy from A Day in the Life on the Farm will be sharing “Umbrian Red Wine Spaghetti and a Book Review."
- Liz at What‘s In That Bottle is wondering “Why Aren’t we all Drinking more Orvieto?”
- Robin at Crushed Grape Chronicles will be writing about “Orvieto - the multifaceted white wine of Umbria."
- Lynn at Savor the Harvest will be focusing on “Appreciating an Ancient Italian Wine Made For Today’s Palate.”
- Camilla at The Culinary Adventures of Camilla is “Celebrating Spring with Vignole + 2020 Barberani Castagnolo Orvieto Classico Superiore."
- Lisa at The Wine Chef is pairing “Umbria’s Famous White Wine, Paired With Spiced Pork Tenderloin.”
- Nicole at The Somm's Table will be featuring “Easy Springtime Dinners with Orvieto."
- Pinny at Chinese Food & Wine Pairings is uncovering “Orvieto White Wines - Hidden Treasures From Umbria.”
- Linda at My Full Wine Glass is writing about “White wines from the heart of Central Italy.”
- Susannah at Avvinare will be “Getting reacquainted with an old friend: Orvieto Wines.”
- Rupal at Syrah Queen is sharing "The Soulful and Unique Wines of Orvieto."
- Gwendolyn at Wine Predator...Gwendolyn Alley is aiming to "Discover the Green Heart of Italy: Orvieto DOC in Umbria."
- Terri at Our Good Life is pairing "Slow Cooker Short Ribs and Elicius Orvietano Rosso: A Match Made in the Heavenly Stars."
- Jen at Vino Travels will be highlighting “Orvieto, Italy’s Classic White Wine.”
I tasted the same wines, so it was fun to compare notes. Probably liked the Argillae best for its fruity and flowery freshness, but found the Custodi food friendliest of them all.
ReplyDeleteGreat post, Pinny. I was hoping to see what foods you would pair with the wines. Your dishes always make my mouth water.
ReplyDeleteYou are so right that this region is overshadowed by its Tuscan neighbors. I found these wines to be delicious and nuanced (I had the same bottles). I love that they were all different depending on the soil!
ReplyDeleteIt's too bad Orvieto is not easier to find because these are the best QPR wines I've come across in a while! You nailed it- they are overshadowed by Tuscany. Hopefully the consorzio will help them step out from under their shadow.
ReplyDelete