Orvieto is the most important wine appellation for white wine in Umbria. The wines produced in the region are based on Grechetto (minimum 60%), while the blends often also include Trebbiano Toscano (locally known as Procanico) or other permitted white varieties.
Although the appellation also covers sweet wines—including noble rot style Muffa Nobile and late harvest Vendemmia Tardiva—which were once flagship styles, modern production is mostly oriented towards light and approachable dry white wines.
Dry styles are easy-drinking, straw-colored wines that usually have a clean and crisp character and moderate acidity. The aromas are reminiscent of white fruit, white flowers, and hazelnuts, while the best examples, mainly those from the Classico subzone, often have a mineral profile. Read more
They can also have a slightly bitter aftertaste. The appellation covers the Classico label produced from the grapes cultivated in the oldest and best locations around Orvieto and the Superiore label that has to be aged for at least four months and reach 12% ABV.
Dry Orvieto wines pair well with vegetables of fish soups, seafood, pasta dishes, pizza, appetizers, and light meat dishes. They can also make an excellent aperitif. Most of the appellation is located in Umbria, with only a small part in the neighboring Lazio.
