Decugnano dei Barbi Mare Antico Orvieto Superiore 2020

Drink it now, or hold it for a few years. No need to decant before serving.

Decugnano dei Barbi winery is located near Orvieto, Umbria’s most renowned wine town. Claudio Barbi set up the estate for wine production in 1973, and its very first wines hit the market in 1978. Claudio’s sole aim has always been to create high-quality wines that express the terroir of Orvieto beautifully.

The terroir is composed of stunning rolling hills, sandy clay soil, and rich wine-making culture. Wines made with the Orvieto name must be made of at least 60% Trebbiano Toscano and Grechetto. In the case of Decugnano dei Barbi’s “Mare Antico”, the remaining 40% is filled with Chardonnay and Vermentino.

Notes of yellow apple, aromatic citrus zest, and a strawlike earthiness emerge on the nose of this refined wine. It is named for an ancient sea that existed on the site of Decugnano’s vineyards, depositing sea shells and oyster fossils in the soil. Lively citrus flavours mingle on the palate, along with apricot and an interesting saline note, reminiscent of briny green olives, that was imparted by the soil. Relatively potent for white wine, as Orvietos must be at least 12% alcohol, it will pair well with cheese, squid, and shellfish dishes. Serve it slightly chilled.