Decugnano dei Barbi A.D. 1212 2021 is the historic red flagship cuvée of the house and immediately shows that Orvieto also has a surprising amount to offer for serious red wine. This wine is firmly rooted in the history of the domain. What does A.D. 1212 mean? It refers to the year in which the name of this place first appeared in a document, making this bottle not only a red blend but also a direct reference to the origin of Decugnano dei Barbi.
The foundation of this wine lies in the hills around Orvieto, where altitude, soil, and history combine to create a remarkably unique profile.
- • Location: The vineyards are located near Orvieto in Umbria at an altitude of 320 m, which helps maintain a better balance between ripeness and freshness.
- • Soil: Sand and clay form the basis here, with many marine sediments and fossil remains of shells and oysters. This gives this origin a distinct signature within the region.
- • Exposure: The plots are located southeast and southwest, providing the grapes with plenty of sun and allowing them to ripen evenly.
- • Climate: The Mediterranean climate ensures sufficient ripeness, while the altitude prevents the wine from becoming cloying or heavy.
- • Historic Site: Decugnano is located in the oldest part of the Orvieto area, which gives this wine extra character even before the first sip is taken.
A.D. 1212 is made with a clear focus on balance, so that power and refinement are not in opposition but rather converge.
- • Fermentation in stainless steel: The wine is fermented in stainless steel tanks, preserving the fruit and the structure of the blend cleanly and precisely.
- • Aging in French oak: 50% of the wine is aged for 12 months in French barriques. This adds extra depth, more structure, and a refined oak influence without overpowering the wine's character.
- • Alcohol of 15%: With 15% alcohol, this wine has clear power, but it is precisely the aging and the careful blend that ensure this intensity comes across as refined and controlled.
- • Historical Development: The first vintage appeared in 1988 under the name IL Decugnano dei Barbi. Since 2015, this wine has been named A.D. 1212, even more emphatically linked to the history of the estate.
The blend of A.D. 1212 consists of 3 red grape varieties that together provide depth, structure, and a very unique interpretation of red from Umbria.
- • Syrah – Orvieto, Umbria: Syrah brings extra intensity and contributes to the powerful, dark character of the blend.
- • Cabernet Sauvignon – Orvieto, Umbria: Cabernet Sauvignon strengthens the structure and gives this cuvée extra seriousness and length.
- • Montepulciano – Orvieto, Umbria: Montepulciano makes the wine fuller and more complete, ensuring the blend remains firmly rooted in Central Italy.
