Wines of Umbria

Umbria might not make wines as famous as its neighbor, Tuscany, but it does produce some noteworthy vintages, some with notoriety. The best known are Sagrantino di Montefalco and Orvieto, both named for the towns where the vintages are made. The primary grapes used in the majority of Umbrian wines include: Trebbiano, Grechetto, Malvasia, Vermentino, Verdello, and Garganega for whites; and Sangiovese, Sagrantino, Ciliegiolo, Montepulciano and Canaiolo for reds.

The more important DOC and DOCG wines include:

Orvieto DOC. Originating in the area around the spectacular town of Orvieto, this white was already known and prized during the Papal States era when it was preferred by pontiffs and courtly lords. It is made from a blend of Trebbiano (40-60%), Verdello (15-25%) and Grechetto or Malvasia (no more than 20%).

Sagrantino di Montefalco. Not to be confused with Montefalco DOC, which is another vintage. This one denotes the grape (Sagrantino) from the town of Montefalco and the area surrounding it, which includes Bevagna and Gualdo Cattaneo. It was already famous in the Renaissance period. The DOCG designated wine is made from 100% Sagrantino grapes. It is one of the most tannic wines in Italy.

Montefalco DOC Rosso. Often confused with its more celebrated sister (above) this DOC wine is vinted from a blend of Sangiovese and Sagrantino grapes.

Torgiana Riserva DOCG. This upper level wine is considered complex and elegant, said to date back to the Etruscans, though some date it to the Middle Ages. It was the first Umbrian wine to achieve DOCG status; it is made from 70% Sangiovese plus Canaiolo, Ciliegiolo and/or Montepulciano. The name comes from Torre di Giano, a medieval castle in the hamlet of Giano.

Rosso Orvietano DOC comes from the area around Orvieto and is a veritable cocktail of grapes blended together: Aleatico, Cabernet, Canaiolo, Ciliegiolo, Merlot, Montepulciano, Sangiovese and Barbera (and sometimes also Cesanese and Pinot Nero) get thrown into the vats.

Colli del Trasimeno Bianco. From the northern corner of Umbria near Lake Trasimeno, this vintage blends Vermentino and Grechetto to create a structured white. Sometimes Pinot Bianco or Chardonnay are added in, as well.