AD 1212 Decugnano dei Barbi

Decugnano dei Barbi A.D. 1212 2021 Umbria Rosso IGT, Italy

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.

Vineyards and Region

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.

Vinification and Aging

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.

Grape Composition

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.

Tasting Notes and Serving Suggestions

In the glass, this wine shows a deep red color with an immediately serious appearance. The aroma opens in layers, with dark fruit, ripe spices, and a refined woody note that is beautifully interwoven into the whole. This is followed by a full, powerful taste in which concentration and balance go hand in hand, without the wine becoming heavy or austere. The tannins are firm but refined, and the finish lingers long with an elegant, harmonious line. This is the kind of wine you open for a dinner that deserves to be a little more special than an everyday meal.

• • Serving temperature: Serve this wine around 16 to 18 °C, as this range best preserves the balance between power, spiciness, and oak influence.
• • Dishes: This Umbria Rosso IGT pairs best with roasted beef, lamb, game dishes, or hard aged cheeses, as such dishes have enough depth for its concentration and structure.

Awards

• • 93 points, Vinous (2021): A score in this range from Vinous signifies an outstanding wine, indicating that this vintage clearly exceeds the norm in personality and quality.
• • 93 points, Falstaff (2021): Also at Falstaff, 93 points firmly places this wine in the category of very strong, complete, and characterful wines.
• • Cinque Grappoli, Bibenda (2021): This award within Bibenda is a recognition for top wines with clear class and persuasive power.
• • 4.2 stars, Vivino: With this high average score, Decugnano dei Barbi A.D. 1212 shows that it not only impresses professionals but is also widely appreciated by wine lovers.

More information about Decugnano dei Barbi

Decugnano dei Barbi has roots going back to 1212 but took its modern form from 1973 when Claudio Barbi revived the abandoned estate. He restored the vineyards, rebuilt the cellar, and set the estate on its own course where tradition and innovation remarkably combine. Decugnano dei Barbi A.D. 1212 beautifully summarizes this story, precisely because this wine links the historical significance of the place to a red signature cuvée with power, refinement, and a very unique identity.