Decugnano dei Barbi 'AD 1212' Umbria Rosso 2021
Since the distant year of 1212, the lands of Decugnano have been producing wine, destined for the clergy of Orvieto. In 1212, Giovanni and Pietro, two clerics, were entrusted with the responsibility of safeguarding this land, with its epicenter being the church of Santa Maria di Decugnano.
In 1973, at age 28, Claudio Barbi discovered Decugnano in a state of abandonment. Claudio had traveled to France and participated in some harvests, enchanted by the dedication and passion that the people across the Alps showed for vine cultivation. He felt a profound connection with the land of Decugnano and decided to make it his own: thus, Decugnano dei Barbi was born. Claudio began the renovation of the vineyards and the construction of the winery and in 1978 released his first wines.
In 1981 Claudio surprised everyone by creating ‘Pourriture Noble’, the first noble rot produced in Italy. Inspired by his experiences in Sauternes, Claudio noticed that even in Orvieto, the botrytis cinerea fungus responsible for noble rot was abundant. With his skill and dedication, he vinified only the botrytized grapes of that year.
And today the work that began with Claudio Barbi's vision and passion now continues with equal dedication and renewed enthusiasm from his son, Enzo Barbi.
The name of this wine pays homage to Decugnano's past and the crucial year of 1212 when the name of this magical place first appeared on a document. The label symbolically embodies the presence of those two priests, Pietro and Giovanni, who in the distant year of 1212 were responsible for the wine of Decugnano, as if their hand were still guiding the production of this extraordinary wine.
