IT - Central Italy / Umbria

Answer 1

One of the smallest region of Italy in population and size. Viticulture not key to economy.
oIn the shadow of internationally renowned Tuscan neighbour but the input of Tuscan investors, oenologists have helped boost the development of top whites (e.g. Antinori’s Cervaro della Sala) & reds esp. in Montefalco.

Climate

Warm Mediterranean climate (//Tuscany) but more inland so less moderation by the sea

Topography

Located in the centre of Italy’s ‘boot’, bordering Tuscany, March and Lazio. Mainly calcareous clay soils.

Answer 2

Whites (58% of production)

1. Grechetto
   - Thick-skinned, characterful native grape - Valued for fruitiness & weight
2. Procanico aka Trebbiano Toscano
   - Workhorse; main part of the blend in Orvieto
3. Verdello
   - Hi acidity. Sometimes used in Orvieto

Others: Drupeggio (aka Canaiolo bianco) Malvasia, Chardonnay,

Answer 3

Reds (42% of production)

1. Sangiovese
   - Pleasant but no memorable wines from most of the region
2. Sagrantino
3. Native grape only found in Umbria & produced in tiny qty
4. One of the most tannic varieties in the world; aromas of blackberries & toffee w hints of plum, cinnamon & earth
5. Gamay
6. Mainly around and west of the lake Trasimeno
7. Wines produced more of an oddity than a serious competitor to Beaujolais

Others: Cabernet Sauvignon, Canaiolo

Answer 4

14,000ha for 1m hl/yr - 17% DOC

High Yields allowed for Orvieto DOC

Answer 5

DOCs. The 2 key DOC/DOCGs are:

1. Orvieto DOC -2,300ha
2. High yields allowed for Orvieto DOC
3. Centred around Orvieto town, 90km east of Montepulciano; top sites on the hillsides (up to 500m hi)
4. Classico area: tufa, limestone and volcanic soils
5. Modern Orvieto is 40-60% Trebbiano Toscano, 15-25% Verdello & Grechetto, Drupeggio and/or Malvasia
6. Quality-conscious producers tend to favour Grechetto in the blend vs. Trebbiano/Druppegio.
7. o Mostly vinified as a dry or medium dry wine. Wines are crisp, refreshing but neutral with apple flavours.o
8. # 1 DOC w 80% of Umbria’s total DOC production
9. Sagrantino di Montefalco DOCG
10. Region’s eastern corner; promoted to DOCG in 1991; requires 100% Sagrantino w min 29mths ageing
11. The wines are full bodied w very hi alcohol (~16%abv) and tannins. Also made into passito.
12. Key producer: Arnaldo Caprai (150ha; 750k btls) and is Sagrantino 25 anni deserve international acclaim

Cecchi, Antinori and Frescobaldi are amongst the big players who have invested in the area.

Others: Rosso Orvietano DOC (R), Montefalco Rosso (R), Torgiano DOC (R/W), Torgiano Riserva (R)