W3 Wine School

Orvieto (Italy)

Orvieto is a blend of Grechetto and Trebbiano.

It is named after the city Orvieto in Umbria.

Orvieto Flavors

Citrus, Green Apple, Pear, and Peach are typical flavors for Orvieto. With hints of Basil, Bitter Almond, and Salty Minerals.

Lime
Lime
Grapefruit
Grapefruit
Apple
Apple
Pear
Pear
Peach
Peach
Basil
Basil
Bitter Almond
Bitter
Almond
Seashell
Seashell

Orvieto Profile

Orvieto is dry, crisp, and moderately acidic:

SUGAR:Dry 3g/l
BODY:Light
FRUIT:Low
ACIDITY:Medium Plus
ALCOHOL:11.5-13.5% ABV
Temperature Serving temperature:
8-10°C (46-50°F)

Orvieto Food Pairing

Orvieto is best known as an Aperitif, or as a starter wine for a delicate first course.

Aperitif
Aperitif
Pasta
Pasta
Vinegar
Balsamico
Antipasti
Antipasti
Crab
Seafood
Chicken
Chicken
Pork
Pork
Ham
Ham

Excellent Pairings

Antipasti.
Pasta with Pesto.
Lightly Smoked Meat. Ham.
Onion. Garlic. White Pizza.
Seafood Pasta with Lemon.
Pork or Veal with Citric or Acidic Sauces.
Vegetables with Citric or Acidic Sauces.

Cheeses

Hard Cheese.
Lightly Smoked Cheese.

Italian Specialities

Pici Cacio e Pepe (Pasta with Pecorino Cheese and Black Pepper).
Fried Chicken in Lemon Sauce.

French Specialities

Escabèche (Sardines in Vinegar).

The Ideal Glass for Orvieto

A Tulip Shaped Glass with a slightly smaller bowl can be suitable for various dry white wine styles.

It guides the wine to the center of your mouth, avoiding the sides where acidity is less pleasant.

A smaller bowl also helps to serve smaller quantities, and keep the wine cold. It also helps if you hold the glass by the stem!

Orvieto Cheese Pairing

Orvieto is known for its crisp and fruity profile. It pairs well with a variety of cheeses.

Opt for cheeses with moderate saltiness and creaminess to balance the wine's acidity. You can also add accompaniments like fresh fruits (grapes, apples, pears), nuts (almonds, walnuts), and a light drizzle of honey to enhance the pairing.

Fresh and Mild Cheeses

Mozzarella: Its delicate flavor pairs well with the wine's lightness.

Ricotta: Especially good if served with a drizzle of honey or fresh fruits.

Goat Cheese (Chèvre): The tanginess complements the subtle fruit notes in Orvieto.

Semi-Soft Cheeses

Fontina: Its nutty, buttery qualities make a good match.

Brie: The creamy texture and mild flavor work beautifully with Orvieto.

Camembert: Similar to Brie but with slightly more earthiness.

Hard Cheeses

Asiago: Lightly aged Asiago adds a complementary tang to the wine.

Manchego: A classic Spanish pairing, especially younger Manchego, which is less intense.

Gruyère: Mildly nutty and sweet, enhancing the wine's subtlety.

Blue Cheeses (for contrast)

Robiola: Its mild creaminess contrasts nicely without overpowering the wine.

If You Like Orvieto

You May Also Like:

Albariño (Spain)
Alvarinho (Portugal)
Assyrtiko (Greece)
Gavi (Italy)
Grechetto (Italy)
Greco di Tufo (Italy)
Moschofilero (Greece)
Pinot Bianco (Italy)
Sylvaner (France)
Riesling Dry (Germany)
Trebbiano (Italy)
Ugni Blanc (France)
Weissburgunder (Germany)

About Orvieto

Orvieto is a blend of Grechetto (Minimum 40%) and Trebbiano (20-40%) and up to 40% of local grapes (Malvasia, Drupeggio, Verdello, Canaiolo Bianco).

Grechetto brings the fruitiness and the weight to the wine. The most highly rated examples of Orvieto have a high concentration of Grechetto.

Wine Region Umbria

Aosta

Climate

Umbria is characterized by rolling hills, valleys, and vineyard-covered landscapes. The region has a continental climate with hot summers and cold winters.

The diverse topography and varied elevations contribute to different microclimates well suitable for grape cultivation.

Soil

The soils vary from clay and sand in the valleys to limestone and marl in the hills.

Black Grapes

White Grapes

Cabernet Sauvignon

22% Sangiovese

Sauvignon

17% Trebbiano
13% Grechetto


Red Wines

White Wines

Red Wine

Montefalco
Sangiovese
Sagrantino
Torgiano Riserva

White Wine

Orvieto
Trebbiano
Grechetto
Umbria Bianco

DOCG Wines

Sagrantino Di Montefalco
Torgiano Rosso Riserva

DOC Wines

Amelia DOC
Assisi DOC
Colli Altodiberini DOC
Colli Del Trasimeno DOC
Colli Martani DOC
Colli Perugini DOC
Corbara Lake DOC
Montefalco DOC
Orvieto DOC
Rosso Orvietano DOC
Spolete DOC
Todi DOC
Torgiano DOC

IGT Wines

Allerona IGT
Bettona IGT
Cannara IGT
Narni IGT
Spello IGT
Umbria IGT


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