Ciao Tutti!
This weekend we will taste the “Il Ruspo” red wine ($16.50, ABV 14 %) from the Podere Barbi in Baschi, Umbria, Italy’s only landlocked region that borders Lazio, Le Marche and Toscana. Umbria’s dense forests are hunting grounds for wild boar who roam and hunt for truffles. Il Ruspo’s distinctive label design shows a rough sketch of a wild boar and is aptly named for “Il Ruspo” is derived from the Latin ruspare, ” to scratch or scrounge”, which a wild boar does instinctively when he is hunting truffles.
Umbria is known as the “green heart” of Italy for its central location and vistas of lush rolling green hills dotted with historic hill towns like my favorite, Gubbio. The Barbi Winery was founded in 1932 by Enzo Barbi and is located near Orvieto, in the Lago di Corbara DOC. The denomination applies solely to red wines vinified primarily from Cabernet, Merlot, Pinto Nero and Sangiovese grapes.
The estate has old vines from its founding, as well as new vines that date from 2007. The vineyards are located in an area known as I Poggi di Baschi that has a reputation for great wines. Sangiovese is Podere Barbi’s primary red grape, followed by other indigenous grapes of Canaiolo, Ciliegiolo (the mother of Sangiovese) and Montepulciano.
The Winery also offers accommodation in its historic farmhouse, with a stunning view of Orvieto’s Old Town, perched on its thousand year old rocky plateau in the distance.
Umbria’s Sangiovese may not be as elegant as the Brunellos of Toscana that I choose for my Christmas wine but in the fall I choose the Umbrian Sangiovese of Il Ruspo for its earthiness. I am glad to welcome Il Ruspo back to Piazza’s shelves for its intense bouquet, rich and full body, fruity taste of dark cherry and plum. Pair with Piazza’s mushroom risotto, hearty stews , or if you are really lucky, cinghiale (wild boar) with Pappardelle.
Come join me for a taste of a great wine for fall on Friday from noon to 5:45 or Saturday from noon to 4:45.
Cin Cin!
Jenn
Contributor Jennifer Martella has pursued dual careers in architecture and real estate since she moved to the Eastern Shore in 2004. She has reestablished her architectural practice for residential and commercial projects and is a real estate agent for Meredith Fine Properties. She especially enjoys using her architectural expertise to help buyers envision how they could modify a potential property. Her Italian heritage led her to Piazza Italian Market, where she hosts wine tastings every Friday and Saturday afternoons.
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