Tasting Through Time: The Unique Post-Fermentation Wine Dinner with Umbrian Wineries

Posted by Rowena Dumlao Rowena Dumlao - Giardina 11/15/2024

Tasting Through Time: The Unique Post-Fermentation Wine Dinner with Umbrian Wineries

The fourth edition of "Atti a Divenire: Cena Post Fermentativa" at Locanda Palazzone offered an exclusive insight into Umbria’s evolving wine culture through a post-fermentation tasting. Organized by a dedicated group of Umbrian winemakers, led by Giovanni Dubini of Locanda Palazzone, the event gave guests the rare opportunity to experience wines in their “Atto a Divenire” or “Coming into Being” phase. In this stage, the wines have completed alcoholic fermentation but remain untouched by aging, presenting their purest form, with fresh grape characteristics, bright acidity, and bold fruit flavors that aging has yet to refine. Guests tasted both the newly fermented 2024 vintage and the fully bottled versions of each wine currently on the market, allowing them to trace the journey from raw, unfiltered expressions to refined, market-ready vintages, capturing Umbria’s terroir in its most elemental state.

The evening underscored the unity and collaborative spirit among Umbrian winemakers, whose shared expertise brought the region’s distinctive character to every glass. Each pairing emphasized the contrast between the boldness of young wine and the complexity of its aged counterpart, creating a sensory journey through the wine’s lifecycle. Winemakers from Cantina La Spina, Cantina Paolo Bea, Cantina Le Velette, and Cantine Zanchi were present, contributing to this immersive experience that celebrates tradition while inviting fresh perspectives. Events like "Atti a Divenire" exemplify how Umbria’s winemakers are not only preserving regional heritage but also innovating with every vintage.

A Menu to Complement Raw and Evolved Flavors

To match these unique wines, Locanda Palazzone’s chef, Luigi Turreni, crafted a menu of reimagined traditional dishes that highlighted the purity and evolving complexity of local ingredients. Each course was paired with two versions of a wine: the last vintage currently available on the market and the latest harvest, just one or two months old. This approach provided a captivating introduction to the wines’ journey from 'coming into being' to bottled vintage. The evening’s menu included:

Ricotta and Broccoletti Flan with Saffron, Parmesan, and Black Pepper, accompanied by Cantina Le Velette’s Orvieto Classico Lunato 2023 and its 2024 post-fermentation counterpart. The pairing highlighted the freshness of the young wine and the rounded character of its older sibling.

Potato and Anise Gnocchi with Pumpkin and Crispy Goat Blue Cheese from San Venanzo, paired with Cantine Zanchi’s 100% Malvasia di Amelia “Majolo” Riserva 2018 and the newly fermented Malvasia 2024. The Malvasia’s evolving floral and honeyed notes reflected a vivid transformation from the young to mature versions.

Pork Tips with Apples and Chestnut Honey, Rainbow Chard with Chili Pepper, alongside Cantina La Spina’s Nebbiolo 100% A Fortiori 2020 and its 2024 post-fermentation counterpart. This pairing allowed diners to experience the Nebbiolo’s lively fruit profile in its early phase and its more structured, complex flavor in the older vintage.

Slow-Roasted Veal Shank with Licorice, Soft Potato Purée with Wild Fennel, served with Cantina Paolo Bea’s Montefalco Sagrantino Vigna Pagliaro 2015 and Montefalco Sagrantino 2024 in its post-fermentation phase. The Sagrantino’s evolution from a bold, fruity wine to a sophisticated, spiced vintage was a memorable exploration of depth and character.

The evening ended on a high note with a classic Vanilla Custard with Caramel and Maldon Salt, a subtle, sweet finish that complemented the unique tasting journey.

The Venue: Locanda Palazzone

Locanda Palazzone in Orvieto is a meticulously restored medieval gem, transformed into a luxurious and intimate retreat by Giovanni Dubini and his wife, Cristiana. Originally a 13th-century stopover for pilgrims traveling to Rome, the building now combines its storied past with modern comforts, offering seven elegantly appointed suites, each with panoramic views of vineyards and rolling hills.

Set on a 50-hectare estate of family-owned vineyards, Locanda Palazzone is a medieval barn that produces one of Umbria’s most celebrated wines, blending heritage with innovation. Inside, centuries-old features like mullioned windows, carved columns, and ancient stone floors are complemented by contemporary touches, including a glass-and-iron lift and loft-style living spaces. Surrounded by meticulously landscaped grounds filled with lavender and roses, the Dubini family’s dedication to preserving and enhancing Locanda Palazzone’s unique character is evident in every detail.