This 1200-hectare Castello di Corbara estate lies at the foot
of Lago di Corbara, in southern Umbria. The Estate is
situated on an archeological site that is currently being
excavated. This site dates back to Etruscan times and is next
to the Corbara River that comes from the lake bearing the
same name. The hills that surround this estate are mostly
southeasterly facing, and are planted to mostly red grapes,
including Merlot, Cabernet and Sangiovese. These vines
average 25 to 30 years of age, are low yielding and dry farmed.
Currently, 120 hectares are planted, with more vineyards
planned.
There are new plantings that were begun in 1999, which will
include Cabernet Franc and whites that include Sauvignon
Blanc, Semillion, Gewurztraminer and Grechetto. The
soils are calcareous with great drainage and many limestone
deposits. The Estate is owned by a Roman family named
Patrizi, and run by brother and sister Fernando and Patricia
Patrizi, a lawyer and doctor, respectively; each with a
practice in Rome.
The Patrizi family also features an “agriturismo” business on
their land, with a dozen or
more old stone farmhouses
that are rented to vacationers
and tourists. These remodeled
farmhouses sit
amongst the vineyards and
offer a quiet, elegant place to
relax and enjoy the Umbrian
countryside.
Il Caio is the name for the
hunting lodge and the
restaurant on the property of
Castello di Corbara. The
restaurant is situated on the
highest point of the property
and is quite busy serving typical
Umbrian cuisine, made
from high quality local ingredients.
