Barberani’s Orvieto Classico Superiore Luigi e Giovanna

Orvieto is unlikely to be the first wine name that comes up when the subject of Italy’s ageworthy collectibles is broached. In fact, very few wine lovers are aware that the best examples of this historic white wine actually have good capacity for development and improvement over time. Orvietos from the likes of Barberani, Sergio Mottura (more precisely, his single-vineyard Grechetto wines) and Palazzone are all cases in point, offering delicious drinking experiences even six to eight years after the vintage. Unfortunately, as an ocean of lean, unremarkable or downright insipid Orvietos has been produced for decades, the category has a reputation for everyday, easygoing quaffing wines at best.

Given the high quality across Barberani’s entire range of wines, with no duds whatsoever, I believe it is Umbria’s best estate. So it won’t come as a surprise when I also state that Barberani has always made some of the best and most ageworthy Orvietos of all. Siblings Bernardo and Niccolò have taken over the day-to-day management of the winery from their parents Luigi and Giovanna, who were responsible, with the help of star consulting winemaker Maurizio Castelli, for putting Barberani on Italy’s quality wine map. Therefore, it is fitting that the Barberani’s top wine, the Orvieto Classico Superiore Luigi e Giovanna, is named in their honor.