| Grape varieties |
55% Grechetto, 20% Sauvignon, 5% Trebbiano, 20% Vermentino |
| History |
Nestled outside the medieval town of Orvieto, the Decugnano estate has long been associated with winemaking. Records dating from 1212 confirm the presence of monks who dedicated themselves to the cultivation of local vines. The land remained under the ownership of the Church until the unification of Italy in 1861, when the estate was sold to private investors. In 1973 it passed into the hands of the Barbi family, wine merchants since the 1920s, whose work has elevated the quality of the estate’s wines to new levels and gained international recognition for the protected designation of origin of Orvieto Classico DOC. |
| Soil composition |
Decugnano dei Barbi covers 54 hectares, 33 of which are planted with vines. Unlike the rest of the DOC Orvieto Classico area, the soil in Decugnano is of marine origin, created in the Pliocene epoch. Fossils of oysters and shells scattered in abundance in the soil testify to the presence of the ancient sea that covered this land almost 2.5 million years ago. The light-coloured sandy soil, rich in calcium, provides an ideal environment for vines. The clay component, although limited, helps to retain water in particularly dry seasons while the calcium provides the ideal micro-nutrients for the development of the grapes. Complementing the soil structure are factors that are very important for growing quality grapes: an ideal microclimate, constant ventilation and a significant temperature range between day and night, which is essential for retaining acidity and aromas. As a result, our wines display a distinct minerality and freshness, as well as a great capacity for ageing. |
| Harvest |
The grapes were harvested between the end of August and the first two weeks of September. |
| Vinification |
Arrived in the cellar, they were destemmed and immediately cooled and pressed. Fermentation, separate for each variety, took place in steel vats for about 15 days at a temperature of 14-16 °C. |
| Ageing |
The wine was aged in bottles for a year before being made available for sale. Decugnano dei Barbi is located between Orvieto and Todi, in Umbria. Documents from 1212 show that the lands of Santa Maria di Decugnano were owned by the Cathedral of Orvieto and in 1218 two priests, Pietro and Giovanni, dedicated themselves to the cultivation of the vineyards. In 1973 the property passed to Claudio Barbi from Brescia, whose work has raised the quality of the estate's wines to the most prestigious international awards. Today Enzo Barbi continues his father's work with enthusiasm. |