Barberani Orvieto Classico Superiore Calcaia Muffa Nobile 0.5L 2019

On autumn mornings, a thick fog envelops the Orvieto Classico vineyards. In this unique microclimate, the grapes are gradually attacked by a particular mold, Botrytis Cinerea, which, under certain weather conditions, transforms into Noble Rot. Morning humidity alternating with mild, breezy afternoon temperatures is the essential condition for this magic to manifest itself. This mold feeds on the fruit’s liquid content from the outside, where it takes root, dehydrating the berry, concentrating its sugars and acidity. Botrytis Cinerea thus enhances the wine’s sensory complexity, giving it unique and unmistakable aromatic and flavor notes. For the harvest, at least five or six successive harvests are necessary, repeated at different times, spread between October and December, in order to collect only the fruit that has taken root with “Noble Rot” and leave those that are not yet ready on the vine. The resulting musts are particularly dense, rich, and fragrant. The subsequent fermentation occurs slowly and steadily over a prolonged period and then stops naturally. The first vintage produced was 1986, but in reality, experimentation with this very particular Rot began as early as the late 1970s, thanks to the research and passion of Luigi Barberani.