Umbria, the green heart of Italy, is a region of lush rolling hills, hilltop villages and iconic, historic towns. The latter is exemplified by Orvieto and Assisi. At the very heart of the Italian Peninsula, it is surrounded by Tuscany, Marche and Lazio. It is in fact the only Italian region without a coastline or international border.
Umbria is well known for its impeccable White wine production. Umbria has a total of 2 DOC, 13 DOC wines and 6 IGT classified areas and nearly 60 % of the 16 500 ha of vineyards are planted with red wines especially around Montefalco and Lake Trasimeno.
What one should taste in the Umbria Wine region?
In Umbria redder than white wines are produced. This is not by chance, after all, the climate and soil conditions are similar to those in the eastern border region of Tuscany. It experiences cold, rainy winters and dry summers with abundant sunshine to ripen wine grapes.
RED VARIETIES
Sangiovese
Sangiovese is growing in popularity and is the region's most planted grape variety, red or white. It accounts for around 22 per cent of the vineyard area. This is the principal grape of the second of the region's DOCG wines Torgiano Rosso Riserva.
Sagrantino
The native red grape Sagrantino has gained prominence in the Montefalco area, creating wines of great depth and power. The best examples, from producers such as Paolo Bea or Arnaldo Caprai, rival anything from Italy. Therefore it was no surprise when Sagrantino di Montefalco received DOCG status in 1992.
WHITE VARIETIES
Grechetto
Grechetto is the next most prominent white variety. It plays a supporting role in Orvieto and various other Bianco bottlings in the region. But most of the other white wine DOCs here – including Colli Martani and Amelia – also allow for varietal bottlings of Grechetto.
Trebbiano
Trebbiano is also referred to as Procanico in Umbria. Some belief it to be a superior clone, with smaller grape bunches that produces a finer wine.
Where to taste Wine in Umbria?
Here are some of the best and most recommended wineries in the Umbria Wine region to enjoy great Sagrantino and Trebbiano wines as well as other highlights of the region.
● In the heart of Montefalco: Benincasa winery is located in the most prestigious winemaking region of Montefalco, an area famous and suitable for producing Sagrantino di Montefalco DOCG wine. At Benincasa, you will be able to taste wines made from local as well as international grape varieties that are cultivated with respect to the environment.
● War refuge cave converted into a cellar: Goretti winery is located outside the city of Perugia, admiring the magnificent views of sunrises and sunsets. The winery produces award-winning wines from indigenous grape varieties. Visit Goretti winery and discover the 12th-century tower and overlook the landscape while enjoying your glass of wine!
● Winery with a mesmerizing view: Palazzone winery produces one of the most prominent wines from the Umbria wine region. It is located on the slopes of Rocca Ripesena hills, close to Orvieto. Visit the Palazzone, listen to their history and taste wines paired with local specialities and of course admire the landscape surrounding the winery.
Sources and References:wine-searcher, winetourism