Melini Orvieto Classico Secco 2011 750ml

Winery: Melini

Varietal: Trebbiano

The Trebbiano grape has long been an important grape in its native Italy, where it has been cultivated for wine production for over a thousand years. We know that Trebbiano was first brought to France in the 14th century, and that it proved to be a popular varietal which quickly spread throughout the country and to elsewhere in Europe. Trebbiano is often used for the production of fortified wines, and is commonly used as a blending grape, but there are also many fine single variety wines made from this varietal, which allow the characteristics of the grape to shine. In particular, it is known for a pleasantly high acidity, with flavors of citrus fruits, white flowers and all sorts of mineral notes on the palate.

Region: Tuscany

Tuscany has been producing fine wines for almost three thousand years, and as such is widely recognized as being one of the key Old World wine regions which have shaped the way we understand and enjoy quality wines throughout history. Interestingly, the region is typified by a unique soil type which is not particularly good for growing grapevines, but in Tuscany, the emphasis has always been on quality over quantity, and low yields with high levels of flavor and intensity are preferred, and have become a feature of the region's wine industry. The main grape varietals grown in Tuscany are Sangiovese for the distinctive, flavorful and complex red wines, and Vernaccia for the exquisite dry white wines, although the last couple of decades have seen more varietals grown and an increasing trend towards 'Bordeaux style' wines.

Country: Italy

There are few countries in the world with a viticultural history as long or as illustrious as that claimed by Italy. Grapes were first being grown and cultivated on Italian soil several thousand years ago by the Greeks and the Pheonicians, who named Italy 'Oenotria' – the land of wines – so impressed were they with the climate and the suitability of the soil for wine production. Of course, it was the rise of the Roman Empire which had the most lasting influence on wine production in Italy, and their influence can still be felt today, as much of the riches of the empire came about through their enthusiasm for producing wines and exporting it to neighbouring countries. Since those times, a vast amount of Italian land has remained primarily for vine cultivation, and thousands of wineries can be found throughout the entire length and breadth of this beautiful country, drenched in Mediterranean sunshine and benefiting from the excellent fertile soils found there. Italy remains very much a 'land of wines', and one could not imagine this country, its landscape and culture, without it.