Located in the heart of the country, Umbria is one of Italy’s most famous regions, due to its natural beauty including green plains, valleys, and two natural lakes. Moreover, Umbria also has a rich historical heritage, art and a wonderful wine culture. Follow us in a discovery of this region’s best wines.
Our Choices from Umbria
Di Filippo 'Villa Conversino', Umbria, Rosso
A luscious Merlot red that offers a burst of succulent fruitiness paired with tobacco nuances. It charms the palate with its lively, vibrant finish.
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Di Filippo, Umbria, Grechetto di Todi
Indulge in a well-rounded, zesty Grechetto that teases your senses with fruit and spice. Apricot and sage undertones end with an almond flourish.
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Roccafiore, Il Roccafiore, Umbria, Sangiovese
A sophisticated Sangiovese showcasing a medley of ripe plums and red berries, accented by touches of liquorice and tobacco. Truly elegant and nuanced.
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Montefalco Bianco
This Trebbiano white captivates with soft pear, citrus, and floral aromas, wrapped in striking minerality. Its taste is citrusy, fresh, and invigorating.
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Roccafiore, Fiorfiore, Umbria, Grechetto
A vivacious white, boasting a creamy richness and tingling pineapple and apple scents, accented by subtle spices. A refreshing palate-pleaser.
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Umbria's key Wine Areas
Orvieto DOC
Orvieto is one of the most iconic and historic towns in Umbria, this produces more than ten percent of the total Umbrian wine production. Orvieto DOC is based on the Trebbiano grape and includes dry, semi-sweet and sweet wines.
Montefalco DOC
Half an hour south of Perugia lies the Montefalco wine region. Here, Sangiovese is the star grape. Only two wines are produced in the region; one is the Sagrantino Rosso, and the other is a crisp and dry white wine mainly made from Grechetto and Trebbiano Toscano.
Torgiano Rosso Riserva
The Torgiano Rosso Riserva DOCG appellation applies to red wines made with Sangiovese. This area has strict production requirements and all wines produced need to be aged at least three years, including six months in bottle. These wines are dry and elegant.
Food Parings
Starter: Bruschette
A famous starter consisting of sliced bread topped with vegetables such as tomatoes or bell peppers, anchovies, truffles, and, of course, olive oil.
Main course: Lumachine alle Schegginese
This pasta dish is made with lumachine pasta, olive oil, tomato purée, trout fillets and onions, topped with sliced black truffle.
Main course: Torta al testo
A typical Umbrian flatbread made from flour, water, olive oil, and salt, filled with prosciutto, cheese, and spinach.
Main course: Lamb Ragù
A traditional meat sauce typically served with pasta. The sauce is made using olive oil, lamb meat, rosemary, white wine, garlic, and tomato purée.
Dessert: Rocciata
A thin sheet of dough is typically filled with apples, walnuts, white raisins, dried figs, cocoa, jam, liquor, and a touch of cinnamon.
Umbria’s simple cuisine has Etruscan origins. Umbria tends to mostly use seasonal ingredients grown locally that gives each dish a rich and unique taste. This type of cuisine is commonly called “peasant cooking” due to its reliance on minimal ingredients.
Although olive oil, fresh herbs, and vegetables are at the core of Umbria’s cuisine, local truffles play a big role in both appetisers and main courses. Here’s an overview of some of the best dishes you can taste in this region:
FAQS
What wine is Umbria known for?
Umbria is particularly known for its white wine production, especially in Orvieto DOC.
What grapes are grown in Umbria?
The traditional grapes grown in Umbria include Trebbiano, Grechetto, Sangiovese, and Canaiolo.
What is distinctive about Umbria’s wines?
Umbria’s wines are characterized by fruity flavours and sweet aromas that include notes of spices and fruits.
Which is the best time to visit Umbria?
Spring and autumn bring out the best features of the region that is also known as ‘the green heart of Italy’.
What is unique about Umbria compared to other parts of Italy?
In Umbria, you can find a combination of unique colours and simple flavours, as well as enjoy the natural green landscapes the region can offer.
Want to know it all?
Umbria: Region in a nutshell
Total vineyard area:
13,000 hectaresNumber of producers:
7,000Total wine production per year:
900,000 hectolitresNumber of DOCGs:
2Number of DOCs:
13
Umbria's Wine History
Umbria’s history starts with the Etruscans, fromfood and traditions to wine. During the Etruscan and Roman era, wine was greatly appreciated in Umbria, so much so that famous authors such as Pliny the Elder often wrote about the magnificent taste of the area’s flavourful red and white wines.
Throughout the years, Orvieto’s wines were particularly appreciated by the residents as well as several important visitors, and it wasn’t uncommon for talented painters and sculptors to ask for a bottle of wine in exchange for their services.
Umbria's Viticulture
With more than 13.000 hectares of vineyards, mostly located on hills and in mountainous areas. Umbria’s wine production is 53% red and rosé and 47% white. Out of the total 901.000 hectolitres produced, over 45% are DOC.
Umbria has a wealth of native grape varieties. The most famous is the red grape Sagrantino, largely grown Montefalco. In terms of whites, Grechetto and Trebbiano Spoletino are two of the most known Umbrian varieties.
Umbria's best wineries to visit
Agraria Carini
Agraria Carini is a family owned winery. This winery began in the mid-800s and nowadays owns 140 hectares of vineyards. Its a fifth-generation winery. Agraria Carini mostly grows Sangiovese, Merlot, Chardonnay, Grechetto and Trebbiano.
Pucciarella Farm
Located next to Lake Trasimeno, Pucciarella produces a wide range of red and white wines. Out of its 306 hectares, you’ll find 85 hectares of rolling hills solely dedicated to vineyards, and 30 hectares devoted to olive groves.
Terre Margaritelli
The winery cultivates over 60 hectares in hilly locations. Terre Margaritelli mainly grows traditional Umbrian grape varieties such as Trebbiano and Grechetto, as well as important red grapes like Sangiovese and Canaiolo.
Best white wine grapes from Umbria
L'U Lungarotti Umbria Bianco IGT
A fresh and fragrant wine with a fruity scent and taste with a long finish.
Sauvigno Umbria Colle Unciano
This wine features an intense fragrance characterised by notes of bell peppers and tomato leaves.
Grechetto Vini Umbria Colle Uncinano
A full bodied wine with a complex scent including spices and ripe fruits
Cuvée Secrète Caprai Umbria Bianco IGT
Notes of anise, vanilla and white pepper. Full bodied but still fresh.
Best red wine grapes from Umbria
Montefalco Sagrantino
A powerfully structured wine characterised by black fruit and rose flavours and bright acidity.
Montefalco Rosso
A full-bodied wine with spice and fruit flavours including cherries and wild berries.
Torgiano Rosso Riserva
A fresh, complex and structured wine with aromas of spice black plum and tobacco.
San Giorgio Lungarotti
Full-bodied, aromatic and structured; a well-balanced combination of Sangiovese and Cabernet grapes.