Decugnano dei Barbi

On the label, a moth flutters, circling a flame that will ultimately consume it. Beneath it is a Latin palindrome, the author of which is lost in the mists of history, probably dating from the 13th century: "In girum imus nocte et consumimur igni" – we circle in the night and are consumed by fire. A phrase that reads the same forwards as it does backwards, as if it too were trapped within the very circle it describes. Moths inevitably fly towards the light at night, often until they perish in it – an ancient metaphor for human desire itself, which draws us in like a flame until it has completely consumed us. The same struggle, the same attraction, from antiquity to the present day, without end.

Mare Antico pays homage to the marine fossils and shells found in the soils of Orvieto. It wafts up like a cool breeze from a mountain peak, its intriguing bouquet blending crushed rock with raw almonds, a hint of sage, ginger and flint. Mare Antico flows across the palate with skilful ease, long and citrus-driven. It also possesses a lovely inner sweetness, contrasted by candied lime and salty minerals. It finishes with structure and crispness, featuring a crisp green apple and a lingering acidity that leaves you craving the next sip.

Enzo Barbi produces just 3,500 bottles of this delicious Sauvignon Bianco each year. It rises from the glass with a lovely freshness, whilst a delicate wave of lemongrass, chalk dust and sweet custard fills the senses. On the palate, it flows with a silky texture and ripe, citrus-kissed fruit notes, accompanied by a lively acidity. A hint of mint leaves and green peas lingers in the classically dry finish, whilst L'Inquisitore ends on a remarkably lively note with a slight mineral bite. This exceptionally lovely Sauvignon Bianco from Umbria makes a rather light-footed first impression, but leaves a lasting impact. SUPERIORE.DE

The date on the label (1212 AD) indicates when the winery was given its current name. Deep, powerful dark violet. The seamless bouquet is interwoven with nuances of purple and black fruit, with a good measure of spice and toasted notes. On the palate, it is pure elegance, silky and streamlined, with a growing minerality that provides drive, whilst a delicate web of tannins, floral black fruits and exotic spices resonate. Our verdict: A lush, deep and captivating red that already offers great breadth and will continue to improve with further years of bottle ageing. SUPERIORE.DE

In the mysterious Etruscan caves under the hill of Decugnano, a sparkling wine matures at a constant 13° Celsius, which is only produced in extremely limited quantities. Claudio Barbi produced this Metodo Classico in 1978 as the first bottle fermenter in Umbria. At that time, it was still made from Procanico and Verdello grapes. Over the years, it has developed into something even more special by using Chardonnay and Pinot Noir and extending the ageing period on the lees to 4 years. The entire production process is artisanal: riddling and disgorging are still done manually and are carried out with noticeable care and passion.

Mare Antico pays homage to the marine fossils and shells found in the soils of Orvieto. It wafts up like a cool breeze from a mountain peak, its intriguing bouquet blending crushed rock with raw almonds, a hint of sage, ginger and flint. Mare Antico flows across the palate with skilful ease, long and citrus-driven. It also possesses a lovely inner sweetness, contrasted by candied lime and salty minerals. It finishes with structure and crispness, featuring a crisp green apple and a lingering acidity that leaves you craving the next sip.