Another visit to wine country

Back in Italy and on the wine trail with Mom! After looking online to do a bit of research on Orvieto wineries, we made an appointment for a quick tour and tasting at the Custodi winery, located in the Canale district of Orvieto wine country. With 37 hectares under vineyard, their grape yields provides an ample foundation for the 4 styles of wine they produce: the classic white Orvieto, an unoaked table red, an aged red great for dinner or sipping alone, and a dessert wine. Two young sisters run the place (always a great thing to see) and they were more than attentive and accommodating, allowing me to snap pictures with abandon and answering all our questions during the tour and while tasting their wines. Their pride in their product was touching and well deserved - the wines were extremely enjoyable and a solid example of the Orvieto wines we have come to know and appreciate.

White Orvieto wine typically consists of primarily Grechetto and Trebbiano (known here as Procanico), along with a blend of Malvasia, Drupeggio, and Verdello.

Check out their site and read about my impressions below--and if you find yourself in Orvieto, Custodi is definitely worth a visit.

• 2010 Belloro Orvieto Classico DOC -- Procanico, Grechetto, Drupeggio, Verdello, Chardonnay

Lemon yellow color , with very appealing flavors of apple, fresh pear and a touch of lemon juice.

• Piancoleto Umbria IGT -- Sangiovese, Merlot

Medium garnet color, with juicy, ripe red fruit on the nose and palate. Enjoyable dinner wine.

• Austero Umbria IGT -- Merlot

Deep garnet color, with enticingly intense aromas of red berries and sweet spices. Berry jam flavors and a nice, dusty finish. Yum!

• 2009 Pertusa Orvieto Classico Superiore DOC -- Procanico, Malvasia, Grechetto, Drupeggio, Sauvignon Blanc

Fantastic late-harvest dessert wine. Lovely gold tone with an all-over apricot and dried fruit character.