Almanacco - Food and Wine in Orvieto

Montegabbione

The quality of life, the preservation of century-old traditions, the co-existence of different cultures, a prestigious milieu and important monuments make Montegabbione a “model town”. The name is believed to refer to the “gabbione” or cage in which criminals were enclosed.
Another hypothesis would derive the name from cauponis (host), referring to a production of wine which was then served in a tavern along the Roman road.

The “Scarzuola” and the Ideal City

The Franciscan Convent of the Scarzuola was founded by Saint Francis of Assisi who stayed here in a hut made of “scarza” or bark. Recently a very old portrait of Saint Francis was discovered in the Convent Church, now restored. It was probably painted by a friar who actually saw the Saint. Next to the convent is Tommaso Buzi’s “Ideal City”, an esoteric small-scale citadel, with a wealth of symbolic references, inspired by an allegorical text by Francesco Colonna. The “Ideal City” is in the form of a series of “theatrical stage sets” which represent an initiation itinerary.

Food and wine traditions

Wine and pork products are the two great age-old traditions that have provided tasty products for the Umbrian and Italian table. The wine of Montegabbione was mentioned back in Roman times and the territory has now rediscovered an excellent vocation for structured red wines. In honor of the “pig” there is a celebration in the square every year when the butchers exhibit their skill in the “cutting up of the pig” with sampling at the end and red wine.
Of note also the Extra-virgin Olive Oil.

to see

Church of the Madonna delle Grazie
Castle of Montegiove
Castel di Fiori and the ruins of the Abbey of San Pietro di Acqualta
The necropolis of Poggio della Croce
The castellieri of Montarale
The nature itineraries
The Convent of the Scarzuola and the Ideal City
The church of SS. Maria del Carmine (Faiolo)
The Garden of the Tinctorial Plants