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Articles are property of Brenda Francis and are not to be reproduced in any way without written consent from Brenda Francis. Italian white of distinction a good substitute for pinot grigio The village of Orvieto is perched on top of an ancient volcano in Umbria, Italy. Charming and historic, it has enjoyed many centuries of civilization and winemaking. Etruscan artifacts collected from this area are some of the most impressive ever found, with wine amphoras dating back thousands of years. After the fall of the Roman Empire, the Papacy not only found its panoramic views to be breathtaking, but also found them to be strategic for defending its domain. For centuries to come, Orvieto would be an Acropolis where Popes would take refuge and retreat. This stature helped build the reputation of the white wine bearing the name Orvieto for hundreds of years. Orvieto of today is nothing like the wine of the fourteenth century, but some of the grape varieties remain the same. Malvasia (mahl-vah-see-yah) has been cultivated here for some two thousand years. Once a very in vogue grape variety, it has become a rarity in Italy's vineyards these days. Malvasia is very perfume-like on the nose and palate with notes of gardenias and other summer flowers. Along with white flowers, malvasia has been known to taste like apricots and almonds. In addition to malvasia, other traditional grapes that make up the Orvieto blend are verdello, grechetto, drupeggio, and trebbiano. Orvieto is a great alternative to pinot grigio. It is very easy on the wallet. The blend can be described as expressions of nuts, flowers, dried fruits, apricots, and tangerine peal. Its acidity is crisp, zesty, and refreshing, which makes it a great bottle of wine for fish, seafood, chicken, and summer quaffing. Look to Orvieto from the Classico region for a better quality wine. Antinori Orvieto Classico Campogrande $14 Ruffino Orvieto Classico $8 La Carraia Orvieto Classico $9 Palazzone Orvieto Classico $11