Amelia DOC
This DOC, which includes almost the entire Province of Terni, is a relatively young area from an oenological point of view, but it is already expressing enormous qualitative potential, with Ciliegiolo di Narni being particularly outstanding. Although a recognized varietal since the 14th century, it was mostly used as a blending grape, whereas in the last three decades it has found fertile ground in the hilly areas adjacent to the Terni basin and now represents a coveted product for various local producers.
Assisi DOC
This is one of the youngest DOC appellations in terms of recognition, which occurred in 1997. The wines, mostly produced between the municipalities of Assisi and Spello, are favourably influenced by the hillside exposure of the vineyards on the slopes of Mount Subasio. Winters, in fact, are not humid and cold as in the plains, which makes this area much more suited to wine production. Among the most commonly used blends we find Grechetto which, just outside of Assisi, offers numerous hints of unexpressed potential, especially as regards pairings with dishes that go beyond the traditional pairings typical of our region.
Colli Altotiberini DOC
Established in 1980 and modified in 2005, this DOC is in the northern part of Umbria and features Trebbiano as the most common grape variety, yielding wines that are not highly structured and are, therefore, easy-drinking in style. Production is focused for the most part in the hills around Città di Castello and Montone where we can find interesting flavours and aromas in international varietals such as Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon, which yield fresh wines with quite a robust body.
Colli del Trasimeno DOC
This appellation, which comprises all of Lake Trasimeno’s municipalities, expresses all the historicity of Umbrian wine production, as it was the Etruscans, having settled on the shores of the lake, who began to cultivate the vine. The rather varied production area achieves peaks of excellence amongst its reds wines, which undoubtedly benefit from the influence of Tuscany. In recent decades, many newly-founded wineries focus their production on the classic vines of the territory, above all Gamay del Trasimeno, a grape that belongs to the French grenache branch from which Sardinian Cannonau also derives. It can express great potential and yields wines with intense and very elegant aromas.
Again, there is a very active association of producers called the “Consorzio Tutela Vini Trasimeno” which very effectively promotes the activities of the associated wineries via numerous public events including, in particular, ‘Corciano Castello di Vino’.
Colli Martani DOC
The Colli Martani are hilly areas located in the centre of our region. Lovers of white wines are amply rewarded here as Grechetto achieves peaks of excellence, yielding wines of medium complexity that can, in some cases, be paired with grilled meats and dishes with considerable structure.
Colli Perugini DOC
This historic area comprises land in the municipalities of Perugia, Deruta, Marsciano, Monte Castello di Vibio, Fratta Todina and Piegaro. Some of its surviving native vines such as Mostiola, Tintarolo, Pecorina and Lupeccio are still very important today. Production focuses almost exclusively on Trebbiano for white wines and on Sangiovese for red wines. Fresh, ready-to-drink wines are produced, pairing perfectly with traditional Umbrian dishes.
Lago di Corbara DOC
Lake Corbara offers a breath-taking panoramic view of the vineyard-laden rolling hills descending towards the shores. Its wineries, also united in the “Consorzio Tutela Vini Lago di Corbara”, are able to produce wines in absolutely favourable pedoclimatic conditions and their quality is recognized internationally. Exhibiting marked minerality thanks to the influence of the soil, they harness the alternation between the greater humidity provided by the lake and the breezy air currents. Precisely because of the very special climatic conditions here, it is important to mention the Late Harvests: the sweet (passito) wines composed essentially of Grechetto and Procanico are made with bunches of grapes whose every berry has been attacked by the noble rot called ‘Botrytis cinerea’ and which, after fermentation, yields an almost unique product, endowed with extraordinary elegance.
Montefalco DOC
As previously mentioned, this area is highly suited to the cultivation of red grapes, not only of Sagrantino but also of Sangiovese which, ‘blended’ with other grapes, expresses many of its potential qualities here. Examples include Montefalco Rosso DOC and Montefalco Rosso Riserva DOC, great wines that express the tannins that are so typical of these lands sometimes combined with softer and more elegant grapes, including international varietals. It is also worth mentioning Montefalco Bianco DOC, one of the least-known types in Italy, which has become a true flagship product amongst some producers in the Montefalco area.
Orvieto DOC
This appellation corresponds with the territory of Orvieto as well as some adjacent municipalities and partly encroaches on the Province of Viterbo. This part of Umbria has cultivated vast expanses of vineyards since ancient times, sometimes matching quantities achieved in other more well-known areas. Wineries and agricultural companies in Orvieto, especially the oldest, still offer visitors the chance to see the underground cellars and tunnels dug into the volcanic rock, a truly unique sight! Orvieto Classico DOC is well worth mentioning: a dry all-round white wine made mostly from Trebbiano Toscano grapes, it makes an ideal pairing with fish dishes and lightly-matured cheeses. It is also a perfect stand-alone wine to be enjoyed at length without food.
Rosso Orvietano DOC
The municipal area of Orvieto also offers a very interesting DOC, Orvietano Rosso, which can also be produced with international grape varieties, giving it the potential for great finesse and an unusually robust structure.
Spoleto DOC
This young area, awarded DOC recognition as recently as 2011, includes the entire municipality of Spoleto and is composed primarily of flatlands with a ban on production above 400 metres a.s.l. Considerable influence is exerted by the type of land, which was once marshy, close to the current Fonti del Clitunno (Clitunno Springs). Particular attention is paid to the production of white wines. In recent years, in fact, the Trebbiano Spoletino grape has reappeared on the scene thanks to the rediscovery and commitment of a number of local producers. The varietal proffers various fragrances and elevated acidity and is also excellent in the ‘Superiore’ version.
Todi DOC
The mainly hilly area includes the entire municipalities of Todi, Massa Martana, Monte Castello di Vibio and Collazzone. The native Umbrian vine par excellence, Grechetto di Todi, is cultivated in this appellation to qualitative levels without equal elsewhere. Known since Roman times, and even cited by Pliny the Elder, this vine represents the greatest expression of the Todi wine growing territory. With a very broad bouquet and excellent structure on the palate, this wine goes perfectly with first course fish dishes or herb omelettes.