2017 Grechetto

I was very happy to be introduced to Barberani. This Umbrian producer, located in the Orvieto Classico zone off the shores of Lake Corbara, started in 1961 when Luigi and Giovanna Barberani decided to devote their lives to making wine. From the beginning, a natural approach was taken; today that has evolved into a fully organic regimen without any addition of chemicals in the vineyards or cellar, and very limited use of sulfur. The family oversees 100 hectares, 55 of which are planted to vines in a mix of soils, both volcanic and of marine origin – clay marls mixed with limestone, containing fossils and shells from the Eocene epoch. Niccolò Barberani is currently responsible for the vineyards and winery, though his father remains fully in the mix. The range is focused on the production of Orvieto and the white varietals that comprise it, but also with the perfect conditions for creating botrytis-inspired wines and a range of Sangiovese that have huge potential. Even with a production of around 350,000 bottles a year, these are incredibly soulful wines, which is likely the result of the passion that this family brings to everything they do.