The wines of the Umbria region represent an example of excellence in the wine scene of the Italian peninsula, and over the last few decades have been carving out an important place for themselves as a result of their territorial authenticity. Umbria is a region famous for the beauty of its uncontaminated nature and the artistic wealth of its splendid cities and characteristic historic villages. However, the green heart of Italy is also renowned for an ancient wine culture. The origins of vine cultivation date back to the period of the Etruscan civilisation and then developed fully during the Roman era. Over the centuries, the tradition of vine-growing has been handed down from generation to generation, right up to the present day. Following the most ancient traditions, priority has been given to the cultivation of native varieties, which have always lived among the splendid hills of the Umbrian landscape. Thanks to this consistent and courageous choice, Umbria has been able to preserve a typical and true character, without giving in easily to trends and without chasing the success of the most famous international grape varieties.
The wines of the Umbria region represent an example of excellence in the wine scene of the Italian peninsula, and over the last few decades have been carving out an important place for themselves as a result of their territorial authenticity. Umbria is a region famous for the beauty of its uncontaminated nature and the artistic wealth of its splendid cities and characteristic historic villages. However, the green heart of Italy is also renowned for an ancient wine culture. The origins of vine cultivation date back to the period of the Etruscan civilisation and then developed fully during the Roman era. Over the centuries, the tradition of vine-growing has been handed down from generation to generation, right up to the present day. Following the most ancient traditions, priority has been given to the cultivation of native varieties, which have always lived among the splendid hills of the Umbrian landscape. Thanks to this consistent and courageous choice, Umbria has been able to preserve a typical and true character, without giving in easily to trends and without chasing the success of the most famous international grape varieties.
The territory of the Umbria region is particularly suited to quality viticulture. Its geographic location in the centre of the Italian peninsula, in a hilly area close to the Apennine ridge, provides excellent exposure in an unspoilt and unexploited environment. Nature is still the main protagonist of the area and the vine is one of the elements of a varied agricultural landscape, in which the olive tree, arable land and woods have maintained a considerable importance. In Umbria, the vineyards are immersed in a setting of rich biodiversity, which is an important background for the preservation of the natural landscape. The climate, which is mainly continental, is characterised by rather hot summers and cold winters. The considerable temperature range between day and night favours a slow and gradual ripening of the grapes, which arrive at the harvest rich in aromas and flavours. The soils are very varied and range from tuffs of ancient volcanic origin to medium-textured calcareous-clay soils with alluvial debris. The soil and climate conditions are ideal for growing both white and red varieties, especially Grechetto, Trebbiano Spoletino, Sagrantino, Sangiovese and Ciliegiolo. There are many wine-growing areas in Umbria, and the most famous include Orvieto, Torgiano, Montefalco, Colli Martani and Narni, which all have their own particular characteristics and produce wines with strong personalities. The Lungarotti winery, however, deserves special credit for having believed so strongly in the potential of the area and for having raised Umbrian wine to the highest level with wines of the highest quality.
Although Umbria is often associated with the great reds produced in the region of Montefalco with the Sagrantino grape, it is a land that boasts a strong tradition in terms of white wines. The Orvieto area has been famous for centuries for its wines, as well as the area between Trevi and Spoleto or that of Todi. The tradition is based on solid roots and on two extraordinary native white grapes. The most famous grape variety is undoubtedly Grechetto, which is present in the region with two different clones: G5 or Grechetto di Todi and G109, known as Grechetto di Orvieto. In general, the Grechetto di Todi is slightly more aromatic and delicate, although this depends on the territory and the agronomic choices in the vineyard, with many producers creating wines using both clones. This grape provides very harmonious whites, with rich fruit, balanced acidity and a savoury, slightly almondy finish. Perfect to enjoy in its youth for its pleasant fragrance, it also has good ageing potential. The white grape variety on which attention is now focused is the Trebbiano Spoletino. Despite its misleading name, it is not related to the Trebbiano Toscano or the Trebbiano Abruzzese variety. It is a grape that has been cultivated for centuries on the plains and hills of the Trevi and Spoleto area, and risked disappearing with the agricultural revolution after the Second World War. Thanks to the efforts of a few small producers, the grape has been experiencing a real renaissance in recent years, which has highlighted its great enological potential. It is a grape variety that produces white wines that combine remarkable aromatic elegance, ranging from floral scents to citrus notes and tropical fruit, and always supported by a vibrant acidity that also allows for long ageing. In addition to the two great indigenous grape varieties, Umbria also produces Procanico, Malvasia and some international varieties, particularly Chardonnay and Viognier.
Among Umbrian red wines, a special place is reserved for the Sagrantino di Montefalco. In the splendid countryside surrounding the medieval villages of Montefalco and Bevagna, this red grape of mysterious origins has found its natural birthplace. The sunny hills, the clayey soil and the cool, breezy climate are perfect for a grape variety that was only rediscovered a few decades ago, after almost disappearing. It is a grape with a strong character, producing full-bodied reds with dense tannins and good acidity, to the extent that they were once considered too harsh and aggressive. Modern advances in the field of vineyard management, vinification and ageing have made it possible to bring very interesting, rich, intense, but also balanced and pleasant labels to the market. Sagrantino is one of the most significant red wines for long ageing on the Italian peninsula and is extraordinary with braised meats, stews or game. The other grape variety historically present in Umbria is Sangiovese, which is very well expressed in these lands. Together with Sagrantino it creates Rosso di Montefalco, a wine that is less powerful and more suitable to drink in its youth. In the Torgiano area, Sangiovese represents the cornerstone of a Denomination, which was the first to introduce enthusiasts from all over the world to the extraordinary quality of Umbrian wines. Other red grapes grown in the region include Canaiolo and Colorino, often used in blends with Sangiovese, and the international Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. Finally, a special mention goes to Ciliegiolo, which in the Narni area has become the main grape variety of the territory, producing wines that enhance its fragrant and fruity qualities.
Buy the best Umbrian wines online on the Callmewine store at a very special price. Discover the excellences of a territory that produces labels with a genuine and authentic taste, which are true expressions of a magnificent terroir and native vines with great personality.