Sensory Evaluation excursion: Castello di Corbara

Excellent visit to vineyards, cellar, exterior of the castle, and Caio restaurant -- led by the very knowledgable, dynamic and passionate Dr Francesca Bernicchi. The Sommelier of the day was Emanuela Rosini, who was equally passionate about all things Umbrian. Franco Bernabei is the winemaker, highly acclaimed in his work for many wine properties. The wines were exceptionally good, and surprisingly so considering their low prices. It's an ancient property, with some old vineyards; but the reds are now produced under the small DOC appellation Lago di Corbara, which was authorized only five years ago.

• 2006 Castello di Corbara Umbria Podere Il Caio

  Italy, Umbria

  Medium golden colour. Subtle nose of white flowers, stone fruit, melons. On palate, more intensity of fruit and big minerality; nicely acidic, just right alcohol (label=13.5%), tiny touch of sweetness, good body. Paired well with the Umbrian salume.

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• 2006 Castello di Corbara Orvieto Classico Superiore Podere Il Caio

  Italy, Umbria/Lazio, Orvieto, Orvieto Classico Superiore

  Pale straw colour. Nose fairly neutral. Palate of bitter almonds, unripe apricots; acidic. Shows typicity of the DOC in spite of having more Grechetto in the blend than most Orvietos. Paired well with the higher fat content antipasti.

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• 2004 Castello di Corbara Lago di Corbara 90 Points

  Italy, Umbria, Lago di Corbara

  Ruby core, approaching garnet at rim, matte, dense. Complex aromas and flavours: spice/pepper, tobacco, dried cherries, scorched earth, penetrating minerality and some oakiness. High alcohol (label=13.5% but it seems higher), high level of firm/grippy tannins, moderate acidity. Full bodied, balanced, long, complex. As good as it was at first pour, it improved with time in glass. Tastes like it costs a lot more than its list price of €9.50.

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• 2006 Castello di Corbara Cabernet Sauvignon Lago di Corbara 90 Points

  Italy, Umbria, Lago di Corbara

  Ruby, dense, matte. Fruit, oak, spices, minerality. Very flavourful, rich and full-bodied. Should improve with age. Another that tastes more expensive than its list price of ~€11-12.

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• 2005 Castello di Corbara Umbria Podere Il Caio 90 Points

  Italy, Umbria

  Ruby. Excellent minerality, clean earth, light touch of oak. High level of slightly too-firm tannins, good acidity, moderate alcohol. Very flavourful and rich. Needs at least another year of bottle age. Outstanding QPR.

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• 2004 Castello di Corbara Umbria Calistri 90 Points

  Italy, Umbria

  Ruby. Smoky, oaky, earthy on nose. On palate, very flavourful, rich, earthy and minerally; high level of smooth tannins, high alcohol with fumes rising (label=14.5%), moderate acidity. Full bodied, long, complex, round and soft (but not wimpy); thrown off balance slightly by the high alcohol, but still, another winner in their line-up.

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• 2004 Castello di Corbara Lago di Corbara De Coronis

  Italy, Umbria, Lago di Corbara

  Ruby, dense. Needs a few more years of bottle age. Is that all I wrote?! Well, last of seven wines...but I am sure I loved it because I bought two, probably because, among other reasons, I thought it had a lot of age-worthiness.

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Local foods accompanied the wines. The first three were served with antipasti, and the others with lunch.