There are 2 reasons to visit Orvieto & this is one
Next month Wine-Knows has rented a 10,000 square
foot villa in Umbria. A few days before the tour begins, however, I’ll be in nearby
Orvieto---Umbria’s most famous wine city.
Orvieto has been producing wine since the Middle Ages. Although the area produces both reds and
white, it’s well known for white. The
city is also known for its jaw-dropping cathedral. I'm going to see it, but also to visit two killer wineries.
Orvieto white wine is made primarily from a blend of
Grechetto and Trebbiano grapes. Although Grechetto’s origin are thought to be
Greek, this varietal has been grown for so long in Umbria that it is often
credited as native to the area.
Grechetto is primarily a blending grape.
Trebbiano is one of the most widely planted grapes in the world. By itself, it does not produce a high quality
wine---blended with other grapes, it contributes fresh fruity flavors with some
acidity. Also added to Orvieto’s whites
are aromatic Malvasia and Verdello which, like Trebbiano, is added for acidity.
Orvieto’s white wines are some of Italy’s most well
known wines. Typically inexpensive,
these wines are often mass produced and exported around the world. Generally, these are not serious wines, but
rather refreshing, crisp wines. There are some exceptions.
Some winemakers are pushing the envelope and breaking away from the pack of
mediocrity. Their results have been phenomenal. If you can find either of
the following two producers, buy them as they are terrific examples of what Orvieto is
capable of producing: Decugnano dei
Barbi or Palazzone. I’ll be taking a
case to the villa for the group's welcome dinner.
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