Pinot Noir has a reputation for breaking hearts outside Burgundy, and Umbria is not where most people would look for a serious attempt at it. Barberani planted their first French vines back in 1988, driven by a family fascination with Burgundy that most Orvieto producers never shared. Nearly forty years later, the wine still only reaches a vintage when the growing season actually cooperates: cool enough, dry enough, timed right. Some years, it simply is not made.

The grapes grow on a single hectare above Lake Corbara, farmed organically along biodynamic lines with no herbicides or pesticides, and picked by hand in August, early for a red. Fermentation runs on native yeasts in steel tanks, with no animal-derived fining agents: the wine carries vegan certification. What comes out is bright ruby red, with blackberry and ripe fruit on the nose, and a palate that is elegant and velvety rather than powerful.

Serve it at 16-18°C with roasted white or red meats, anything off the grill or spit, poultry, or game. It is a good bottle for anyone curious about what Pinot Noir looks like when it leaves its usual address.

grape variety: Pinot Noir
vintage: 2019
classification: Umbria IGT
alcohol content: 12% Vol.
bottle size: 750 ml
bottled at source by Barberani, Orvieto in Baschi (TR) - Italy
contains sulphites

PRODUCT OF ITALY