A Taste of Umbria’s Wines
A Wine Lover’s Guide to Umbria: Reds, Whites & Where to Try Them
When we talk about Italian wine, regions like Tuscany and Piedmont often steal the spotlight. But Umbria—Italy’s green heart—is home to some of the country’s most underrated (and incredible) wines, trust me I tried them all on my most recent Road Trip around Umbria,. With rolling vineyards, ancient winemaking traditions, and a focus on indigenous grapes, this region is a paradise for wine lovers. Whether you’re a fan of bold reds or elegant whites, here are the must-try wines from Umbria.
Red Wines
Sagrantino di Montefalco
The star of Umbria, this bold and deeply structured red is one of Italy’s most tannic wines. Made from the indigenous Sagrantino grape, it boasts flavors of dark cherry, plum, leather, and spice, with a firm backbone of tannins that soften beautifully with age. If you love powerful, age-worthy reds, this one is for you.
Pair it with: Slow-cooked meats, aged pecorino, or a hearty wild boar ragù.
Montefalco Rosso
If Sagrantino is the king, Montefalco Rosso is its more approachable sibling. A blend of Sangiovese, Sagrantino, and sometimes Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon, it offers bright red fruit, earthy spice, and a smooth finish. A great introduction to Umbrian reds!
Pair it with: Classic pasta dishes, grilled meats, or Umbrian-style porchetta.
Torgiano Rosso Riserva
A hidden gem from Umbria’s Torgiano DOCG, this structured red is made primarily from Sangiovese, often blended with Canaiolo and other local varieties. Aged for a minimum of three years, it develops rich layers of cherry, tobacco, and dried herbs.
Pair it with: Bistecca alla Fiorentina (Tuscan-style steak) or truffle-infused dishes.
Passito di Sagrantino
A rare and exquisite dessert wine made from air-dried Sagrantino grapes. The result is a luscious, velvety wine with flavors of dried figs, blackberries, cocoa, and sweet spice.
Pair it with: Dark chocolate, biscotti, or blue cheese for a perfect contrast of flavors.
White Wines
Trebbiano Spoletino
Not your average Trebbiano! This aromatic and complex white is native to Umbria, offering vibrant notes of green apple, citrus, white flowers, and a hint of almond. It’s fresh yet structured, making it a fantastic food wine.
Pair it with: Fresh seafood, burrata, or pasta with a light lemon and herb sauce.
Grechetto di Todi
One of Umbria’s signature white wines, Grechetto is known for its crisp acidity, mineral-driven palate, and flavors of pear, peach, and wild herbs. It’s often used in Orvieto’s famous white wine blends but shines beautifully on its own.
Pair it with: Truffle risotto, grilled vegetables, or soft cheeses like ricotta.
Orvieto Classico
A blend of Grechetto and Trebbiano, this historic white wine from the town of Orvieto has been enjoyed for centuries. It’s light, floral, and citrusy, making it the perfect everyday wine.
Pair it with: Antipasti, fresh salads, or a simple plate of pasta al limone.
We visited several wineries during our time in Umbria, but these two stood out for their warm hospitality, attention to detail, and truly memorable tasting experiences. If you’re looking to add something special to your itinerary—where the wine is as lovely as the people pouring it—these are well worth the stop.
Chiesa del Carmine- La Bruna
Tucked between the rolling hills north of Perugia, not far from the medieval town of Gubbio, Chiesa del Carmine feels like stepping into another time. Chiesa del Carmine is centred around a meticulously restored 13th-century church and farmhouse. Once an abandoned estate, it has been transformed into a flourishing winery and agriturismo.
The vineyard stretches across this quiet corner of Umbria, growing a mix of local and international grapes—from Trebbiano Spoletino and Sangiovese to Sagrantino, Merlot, and Cabernet Sauvignon.
We spent the afternoon here with a guided tasting (€15) followed by one of the most memorable long lunches I’ve had in Italy. Everything on the table celebrated the season, but the standout? Duck Ravioli in a truffle sauce followed by a warm brownie served with orange and ginger gelato that I’m still dreaming about.
Antonelli- Montefalco
Set in the heart of Montefalco’s wine country, Antonelli San Marco has been crafting wine here since 1881. The estate spans 190 hectares of organic vineyards, olive groves, and forest—and it’s all family run. This is the home of the famed Sagrantino grape, and their Montefalco Sagrantino DOCG is as bold and beautiful as the land itself.
We arrived in the golden hour and watched the sun dip behind the hills from the tasting room terrace—glass in hand, hearts full. The tasting was slow, generous, and unhurried, with plenty of time to explore their cellars and take in the beauty of this historic estate, which includes a cooking school and restaurant.
Umbria may not always be the first stop on a wine lover’s tour of Italy (but it should be!), but for those who take the time to explore, it’s a region that rewards with bold reds, crisp whites, and a connection to centuries-old traditions. Next time you’re sipping an Umbrian Sagrantino or a glass of Grechetto, know that you’re tasting history in every drop. Have you tried any of these wines? Let me know your favourites!