Orvieto Classico Wine Region

Orvieto Classico wine region is in central Italy and centered just outside Orvieto city. It extends east-west near Lake Corbara, coincidentally near the regional border with Lazio. Orvieto Classico is a white wine, specifically made from vineyards within the DOC's traditional classico viticultural area. Here, you’ll find mostly Grechetto and Trebbiano grape varieties. These two varieties are principle for this region. Production rules are the same as those for the wider Orvieto DOC. The grapes grown in this region are different from all the countries and of amazingly good quality, which is due to the climate and environment.

Check out the best wine tastings and tours in Orvieto Classico Wine Region

Where is the Orvieto Classico Wine Region

Orvieto Classico is in Orvieto DOC of Umbria, central Italy. It is located approximately 90 minutes north of Rome.

History of Orvieto Classico Wine

Viticulture was introduced to the Orvieto region by the early Etruscans. Produced sweet wine that was popular in the ancient world. For thousands of years, wine in the Orvieto region was always known for its sweet taste. The Orvieto DOC was created in 1971 and recently underwent alterations to its make. Today the wine is drier than what it used to be before. Ruffino has been producing this Orvieto Classico since the late 1950's. This wonderful Orvieto Classico comes from the region surrounding the town of Orvieto and extends toward Lake Corbara, which surrounds that town. Blended to bring a certain depth of color. This wine is also made from 50% Malbec, 25% Grenache, and the rest blended with Ugni Blanc and Cinsault grapes.

Terrior of Orvieto Classico

The region is formed in the Pleistocene epoch from what was the volcanic complex of the Vulsini Mountains that gave rise to Lake Bolsena nearby.  The soils are made of Tufo, a porous rock formed by the consolidation of volcanic ash. This diversity of the soils, combined with the variability of the Mediterranean climate, and the influence of nearby rivers and lakes, all combine to give these wines great aroma and taste.

Orvieto Classico Wine Characteristics 

Grechetto and Trebbiano are two of the most important grape varieties grown here. Production rules are the same as those for the wider Orvieto DOC. Delicate bouquet with hints of wild flowers and fruit. Freshness is balanced by a structure that is lively and active on the palate. This wine is elegant and sophisticated and can be enjoyed with friends. It is suitable for events and toasts. The grapes are destemmed before being pressed gently. After this, the fermentation and refinement takes place in a temperature controlled environment. The cellars that are carved into the soil in order to create a constant temperature and moisture lead to long fermentation and quality wine.

Food to pair with Orvieto Classico Wine

1. Pizza quattro formaggi

Quattro formaggi is a type of pizza topped with four kinds of cheese that is commonly found in Italy. It typically has mozzarella as its first layer, followed by Gorgonzola, Fontina, and font butter.

For extra pizzazz and flavor, top your pizza with basil, tomato sauce, and extra cheese for a delicious twist on the usual crust. Pizza quattro formaggi pairs well with Orvieto Classico Wine.

2. Spaghetti alle vongole

Quick and easy to prepare, yet packing some serious flavor, spaghetti alle vongole is a traditional Neapolitan dish consisting of only two key ingredients: vongole clams and pasta. However, there is a heated debate considering secondary ingredients like wine, herbs, cheese and meat.

Purists prefer the original dish, which is usually served without tomatoes and known as bianco version. Other people like a version with crushed tomatoes or a version with tomato sauce, which is simply spaghetti alle vongole with the tomato sauce. All variants of this dish go perfectly with Orvieto Classico Wine.

3. Prosciutto di Norcia

It was a tradition in the Roman times that it's important to preserve meat by putting it in salt, and a good prosciutto needs to 'live through at least one winter and one summer'. Good prosciuttes are found in the mountainous Umbria. Perugia produces a higher quality product and if you're looking for it, particularly in the city of Norcia, you're sure to find some great work done that way. Prosciutto pairs well with Orvieto Classico wine.

Places to visit near Orvieto Classico Wine

1. Duomo di Orvieto

The Orvieto Cathedral is known by many as the "most beautiful cathedral in Italy". It is an architectural masterpiece and a testament to the quality of Gothic architecture. The Catholic church building's patronal feast of the Assumption is visible from a distance. In the late 1800s, a new design for the cathedral was published and construction on it began soon after. It took many centuries to complete and had contributions from some of World's most important artists.

2. Pozzo di San Patrizio

The fountain is impressive because it is 53 m high, 27 m wide and 13 m in diameter. It took a lot of work to create. Beautiful place must be seen to be believed. It is definitely worth visiting.

3. Rocca Monaldeschi della Cervara

You should visit to Rocca Monaldeschi della Cervara, and climb through the winding, romantic streets that surround the castle. The different views of Bolsena and the sea are well worth to see. The Museo Territoriale del Lago di Bolsena is inside of a castle that showcases relics from the Etruscan, Roman and medieval periods. The exhibits will show you the ingenuity and brilliance of people from these three important historical periods.

Frequently asked questions about Orvieto Classico Wine Region