Azienda Agricola Castello di Corbara srl

Historical Background

The earliest historical records date back to the Late Middle Ages. In the 1292 land registry, much of the present-day estate of Castello di Corbara was listed in the parish of Santa Maria de Stiolo as Castrum Corbarii, owned by the noble Montemarte family. The Castrum remained a strategic site through the centuries.

At the end of the 19th century, the estate ceased to be a feudal possession and became property of Banca Romana. In 1997, the Patrizi family acquired the estate and launched a redevelopment project focused on specialized vineyards and the construction of a new winery, operational from the 2002 harvest. After the sudden passing of his father Livio in 1998, Fernando Patrizi managed the estate with his mother and sisters until 2008; since then, he has led the winery independently, continuing its growth.

Territory Characteristics

The estate is located in Umbria, in the municipality of Orvieto, an area with an ancient winemaking tradition. The vineyards stretch across gentle hills overlooking Lago di Corbara, whose presence creates a cool, breezy microclimate with significant temperature variations.

The soils, of marine sedimentary origin, range from sandy to clayey and are rich in pebbles and fossilized shells, giving the wines distinctive minerality. The estate covers approximately 85 hectares, all within the production areas of Orvieto Classico DOC and Lago di Corbara DOC.

Production

Castello di Corbara has always believed in the potential of Grechetto, a native Umbrian grape variety, experimenting with different vinification techniques to enhance its character. Today, Grechetto is the main grape for all white wines: Orvieto Classico Superiore DOC, Grechetto Umbria IGT, Orzalume Umbria IGT (Grechetto–Sauvignon fermented in barrique), and a Traditional Method sparkling wine. The whites are elegant and fresh, with vibrant acidity and pronounced minerality.

For red wines, the estate focuses on Sangiovese, supported by Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. It produces single-varietal selections under Lago di Corbara DOC and a Sangiovese–Merlot Umbria Rosso IGT blend. Winemaking aims for harmony, fruit expression, and freshness, avoiding excessive tertiary notes from long aging.

The winery adheres to the Sistema di Qualità Nazionale di Produzione Integrata (SQNPI), a voluntary certification ensuring sustainable agricultural practices. The estate also offers wine tourism experiences, from guided tastings to truffle hunting in its woodlands.