The Top Wines of the Umbria Region
What are Umbria's best wines?...Montefalco Sagrantino grape variety
Montefalco Sagrantino
Montefalco Sagrantino is grown in the hills of Montefalco south of Perugia in central Umbria. It is made from at least 95% local red Sagrantino grapes with up to 5% Trebbiano Toscano, a white grape. When we say local Sagrantino grapes, we mean local. This grape is grown only in Umbria, and there are only about 400 acres in total. Both the dry version and the sweet version are aged for a minimum of 30 months, with a minimum of 12 months in wood for the dry version. The sweet version is made from grapes dried on mats for several months. Serve this wine at 60-64 degrees Fahrenheit (16-18 degrees Centigrade).
Torgiano vineyards
Torgiano Riserva
Torgiano Riserva comes from central Umbria. It is named for a medieval tower, Torre di Giano, that is still standing. Legend has it that Giano is in reality Noah who entered this area after the Great Flood. Be that as it may, wines have been cultivated in this area since Etruscan times. Torgiano Riserva is 50% to 70% Sangiovese, 15% to 30% Canaiolo, with some other local grapes permitted up to a total of 10%. It is a ruby red, dry wine with 12% alcohol that aged for a minimum of 36 months and may be cellared for 4 to 20 years. Serve this wine at 60-64 degrees Fahrenheit (16-18 degrees Centigrade).
See I Love Italian Wine and Food - The Umbria Region for a review of a white Pinot Grigio wine from this region.