2021 Decugnano dei Barbi 'Mare Antico' Orvieto Classico Superiore Umbria

The history in Umbria is a proud one that stretches back to the Etruscans. The Antinori family came to Umbria in the 1950s to produce high-quality white wines. They already had Tuscan Sangiovese estates, but Umbria, and in particular, the area around Orvieto, had been known since the Roman era as the best place to make outstanding white wines. The vines are so old, the local varietal is referred to as "Grecchetto", or the little grape that the Greeks brought to Enotria. 

Nestled in the rolling hills of Umbria, just outside the medieval town of Orvieto, the Decugnano estate has a rich winemaking history dating back to 1212. Yes, that's over 800 years of grape-growing tradition, with monks tending to the vines in the early days! Fast-forward to the 1970s, when Claudio Barbi, a visionary winemaker, took over the estate and turned it into a landmark of Italian winemaking.

Decugnano dei Barbi is more than just a winery; it’s a living story of tradition, passion, and perseverance. With 63 hectares of land, 33 of which are under vine, Decugnano’s vineyards are planted in soils rich with ancient oyster fossils. This gives the wines a minerality that’s both refreshing and complex.

This wine is perfect for seafood, light pasta dishes, or even just a sunny afternoon on the patio. It’s versatile enough to enjoy on its own or with your favorite Italian delicacies.

The story of Decugnano is one of perseverance. When Claudio Barbi discovered the abandoned estate in 1973, it was more or less a forgotten treasure. But he saw its potential, and with a lot of hard work and vision, he turned it into the world-class winery it is today. And now, every bottle produced is a tribute to that legacy—a true reflection of the land and its rich history.