Umbria and its wines

TheUmbria is one of Italy's most fascinating wine regions, in the heart of the peninsula. Known as "green Umbria" for its unspoilt hill landscapes, the region is celebrated for its fresh and mineral whites, such as Grechetto and Orvieto DOC, and for the structured, long-lived reds, such as Sagrantino di Montefalco DOCG and Torgiano Rosso Riserva DOCG.

Thanks to the clay and limestone soils, the temperate climate and the wide temperature swings, Umbria produces wines of great personality and complexity, with growing attention to quality and to promoting indigenous grape varieties.

What is the Umbria wine district?

Umbria is a region with quality wine production, marked by two DOCGs and 13 DOCs. The most important appellations include:

• Sagrantino di Montefalco DOCG → One of the most tannic and long-lived reds in Italy.
• Torgiano Rosso Riserva DOCG → Elegant and complex, based on Sangiovese.
• Orvieto DOC → A fresh, mineral white based on Grechetto and Trebbiano.
• Montefalco Rosso DOC → A blend of Sangiovese and Sagrantino, more approachable than the DOCG.
• Grechetto di Todi DOC → A structured, savoury white, typical of the Todi area.

The Great Wine Regions of Umbria

1. Montefalco and Bevagna

• Main grape varieties: Sagrantino, Sangiovese, Grechetto.
• Style: Structured, long-lived reds, mineral whites.
• Famous appellations: Sagrantino di Montefalco DOCG, Montefalco Rosso DOC.

2. Orvieto and Lake Corbara

• Main grape varieties: Grechetto, Trebbiano, Malvasia.
• Style: Fresh, savoury whites, perfect for everyday drinking.
• Famous appellations: Orvieto DOC, Lago di Corbara DOC.

3. Torgiano and Perugia

• Main grape varieties: Sangiovese, Grechetto.
• Style: Elegant, complex reds, balanced whites.
• Famous appellations: Torgiano Rosso Riserva DOCG, Colli Perugini DOC.

4. Todi and Colli Martani

• Main grape varieties: Grechetto, Trebbiano Spoletino, Sangiovese.
• Style: Savoury, fruity whites, structured reds.
• Famous appellations: Grechetto di Todi DOC, Colli Martani DOC.

Characteristics of Umbrian Wines

Colour

• Whites: Straw yellow with golden highlights, bright.
• Reds: Deep ruby red, with garnet nuances in the aged wines.

Aromas

• Fruity: Citrus, apple, peach in the whites; berry fruits and plum in the reds.
• Floral: White flowers in the Grechetto; violet in the Sagrantino.
• Spicy and Mineral: Notes of black pepper and tobacco in the Sagrantino wines, flint in the whites.

Palate

• Fresh and Savoury: In whites such as Orvieto and Grechetto.
• Structured and Tannic: In reds such as Sagrantino di Montefalco.
• Elegant and Long-lived: In the Torgiano Rosso Riserva and the Montefalco Rosso.

Typical Grape Varieties of Umbria

White Grape Varieties

• Grechetto: Mineral and structured, perfect for ageing.
• Trebbiano Spoletino: Aromatic and savoury, typical of the Valle Spoletina.
• Malvasia: Perfumed and delicate, used in Orvieto blends.

Black Grape Varieties

• Sagrantino: One of the most tannic grape varieties in the world, perfect for ageing.
• Sangiovese: Elegant and versatile, used in blends with Sagrantino and Merlot.
• Ciliegiolo: Fruity and soft, with excellent drinkability.

Why Choose a Wine from Umbria?

A wine from theUmbria is synonymous with a sense of place and tradition, ideal to accompany cured meats, aged cheeses, red meat and rich first courses. From fresh whites such as Orvieto and Grechetto, to powerful reds such as the Sagrantino di Montefalco, through to the elegant Torgiano Rosso Riserva, the region offers wines for every occasion and palate.