Denominations
and Consortiums

MONTEFALCO

The hills around Montefalco, to the south of Perugia in the heart of Umbria, represent the richest and most varied grape-growing and winemaking district in the region. The popularity of Sagrantino di Montefalco (now a D.O.C.G. wine) has overshadowed the other wines produced in this part of Umbria. These wines were so highly regarded in the past centuries that a body of laws had been specifically created in the 1400s to regulate their production. Moreover, a law was passed in 1540 that established, on a yearly basis, the date of the harvest. This wine is typically served with roast red meats and game dishes.

Wine has been a central part of the culture of Orvieto since ancient times. The first inhabitants here, the Etruscans, seemed to understand that the soil in this district was especially favorable to the production of wine. Second only to the endeavor of winemaking was the excavation of cellars where the prized product could be preserved at length. Umbria’s 11 DOCs are led in popularity by the white of Orvieto, historically sweet but which today is produced dry. The region is also noted for its Italian Sauternes, called “Muffe Nobili”.

Torgiano was the first Umbrian wine to receive its Denominazione di Origine Controllata. It was in 1968, a historic moment for the region’s viticulturists. The composition of the soil, the favorable climate and the perfect exposure to the sun’s rays make the terrain around Torgiano highly suited to the cultivation of grapevines. One of the most interesting wine and olive museums in all of Italy can be visited here. Torgiano is a contraction of “Torre di Giano”. The tower (torre), a remnant from a medieval castle, still stands and dominates the skyline of this charming town. Torgiano is also listed as one of Borghi più belli d’Italia (Italia’s most beautiful villages).