Tenuta Le Velette | Umbria

The picturesque winery Tenuta le Velette is located on a tufa plateau near the town of Orvieto. The town, also known as 'Urbs Vetus' (ancient city), has a world-famous old town that was also built on this tufa. Orvieto is crisscrossed by a labyrinth of corridors, cellars and huge cisterns.

The privileged position around the village, since the early Middle Ages, is considered particularly suitable for the cultivation of the traditional grape varieties of the area. The cellars of the winery, which date back to Etruscan times, also testify to this. Orvieto was originally famous for its white wines, but in modern times excellent red wines are also mixed into the portfolio of the winery. - Gerardo

"This estate of Corrado and Cecilia Bottai rises in the middle of a beautiful plateau facing the local mountain of Orvieto. Here, in the heart of Orvieto Classico, the vineyards form a kind of natural amphitheater. The winery has a strong sense of history and tradition, but is open to innovation." - Gambero Rosso

Tenuta Le Velette | Umbria | Buy at Gerardo

On a plateau facing the imposing Orvieto rock, the winery le Velette is located in the center of the Orvieto Classico production area. The excellent location is predestined for the cultivation of traditional wines of superior quality, because the grapes are exposed to the sun's rays from early morning until the evening hours and can thus ripen optimally. Due to their altitude, the vineyards are situated in such a way as to ensure good ventilation, which keeps fungal diseases and other pests at bay. Owner Dr. Bottai emphasizes that he does not want to produce expensive, top-quality wines - instead, the focus is on traditional products such as Orvieto Classico and Rosso Orvietano. Straightforward and uncomplicated wines, of good price / enjoyment ratio, yet never single-layered or down-to-earth. The red Rosso di Spicca comes from traditional blended grapes and is reminiscent of the wines of nearby Tuscany. In contrast, the white Orvieto is a light and fragrant aperitif and summer wine. In addition, some top red wines are still produced, all of modern design and of international style - which is by no means a flaw. The Calanco is made from the native grape varieties Sangiovese and Canaiolo, the pure Merlot Gaudio has a longer maturation in large wooden barrels behind it. Both wines are regularly honored by Gambero Rosso with the coveted 2-Glass or 3-Glass (highest score). - Gerardo