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Umbria

Italy

About Umbria

Landlocked in central Italy, Umbria is often called 'the green heart of Italy.' Its most famous wine is Orvieto, a white blend traditionally based on Grechetto and Trebbiano, produced near the stunning hilltop cathedral town. But Umbria's most exciting wine is Sagrantino di Montefalco, made from the indigenous Sagrantino grape, which produces deeply colored, powerfully tannic reds that can age for decades. The town of Montefalco also produces excellent Rosso di Montefalco, a Sangiovese-based blend. Less touristy than neighboring Tuscany, Umbria offers serious wines at friendlier prices.

Vintage Ratings

Rating:
5
4
3
2
1
PeakReadyHold
Year202420232022202120202019201820172016201520142013201220112010
Red

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Outstanding Umbria Vintages

The best recent vintages rated excellent or exceptional.

Red

2022

Hold
Excellent

Very good Sagrantino with deep colour and concentrated dark fruit.

2028Peak 2033–20412045

2021

Almost ready
Excellent

Excellent balance, cooler year tamed Sagrantino's fierce tannins.

2027Peak 2031–20392043

2020

Ready
Excellent

Very good vintage with approachable structure for the variety.

2026Peak 2030–20382042

2019

Ready
Excellent

Excellent Sagrantino with refined tannins and aromatic complexity.

2025Peak 2029–20362040

2016

Ready
Exceptional

Outstanding vintage with exceptional purity, depth, and fine-grained tannins.

2022Peak 2027–20402045

2015

At peak
Excellent

Very good wines with generous fruit and firm but polished tannins.

2021Peak 2025–20362040

2012

At peak
Excellent

Very good vintage with concentrated, structured Sagrantino.

2018Peak 2022–20322035

2011

At peak
Excellent

Excellent wines with power and complexity. Drinking well.

2017Peak 2021–20302034

2010

At peak
Exceptional

Outstanding vintage, benchmark Sagrantino with extraordinary depth.

2016Peak 2020–20352040

DOC & DOCG

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Terroir & Character

Climate

continentaldryhigh altitudecold winters

Continental climate with hot, dry summers and cold winters. High altitude vineyards experience significant diurnal temperature variation, preserving acidity while allowing full phenolic ripeness—creating wines with both power and freshness.

Terroir

diverse soilssandstonetuffwell-drainedclay

Diverse soils ranging from volcanic tufa around Orvieto to calcareous clay and sandstone in Montefalco. The high-altitude, hilly terrain with excellent drainage creates ideal conditions for both powerful reds and elegant whites, while the landlocked position moderates extremes.

Typical Aromas

black cherryvioletleathertrufflewild herbsmineral earth
Explore the aroma wheel

Classification System

Umbria’s wines range from the structured Sagrantino di Montefalco to the crisp Orvieto whites. Sagrantino is one of Italy’s most tannic grapes.

DOCG

Montefalco Sagrantino, Torgiano Rosso Riserva

DOC

Orvieto, Montefalco, Torgiano, Colli Martani

IGT

Umbria IGT

Grapes of Umbria

Grechetto

white
Body
Sweetness
Acidity
citruswhite peachalmondherbs

Versatile white used in Orvieto blends and single-varietal wines

Sagrantino

red
Body
Tannins
Sweetness
Acidity
blackberryplumblack pepperdark chocolate

Indigenous to Montefalco, powerful tannins

Trebbiano

white
Body
Sweetness
Acidity
lemongreen applepearalmond

Trebbiano Spoletino, a distinct local clone producing complex whites

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Umbria wine special?▼
Umbria's claim to fame is Sagrantino di Montefalco, made from the indigenous Sagrantino grape that produces some of Italy's most powerfully tannic and age-worthy reds. The region also makes excellent Orvieto, a white blend of Grechetto and Trebbiano from the beautiful hilltop town. Being landlocked in central Italy gives Umbria a unique continental climate that helps develop intense concentration in its wines.
What are the best Umbria vintages?▼
2016 stands out as an outstanding vintage with exceptional purity and fine-grained tannins in Sagrantino. 2019 and 2021 were also excellent - 2019 showed refined tannins and aromatic complexity, while 2021's cooler conditions helped tame Sagrantino's typically fierce tannins. 2020 and 2022 are both very good vintages with more approachable structure.
What grapes are grown in Umbria?▼
Sagrantino is Umbria's star grape, producing the region's most prestigious reds in Montefalco. For whites, they grow Grechetto and Trebbiano, which form the traditional base of Orvieto wines. You'll also find international varieties, but Sagrantino is what really puts Umbria on the wine map.
Is 2022 a good year for Umbria?▼
Yes, 2022 was a very good vintage for Umbria, earning 4 out of 5 stars. The Sagrantino shows deep color and concentrated dark fruit character. While not quite at the exceptional level of 2016, it's definitely a vintage worth seeking out.
When should I drink Umbria 2022?▼
You can start enjoying 2022 Sagrantino now, but it will reward patience - these wines typically peak after 8-15 years. The 2022 vintage shows good concentration, so I'd suggest drinking it between 2027-2037 for optimal enjoyment. Orvieto from 2022 should be drunk within the next 2-3 years while it's fresh.
What food pairs well with Umbria wines?▼
Sagrantino's powerful tannins make it perfect with rich, gamey meats like wild boar, lamb, or aged beef - classic Umbrian dishes. The wine's intensity also works beautifully with aged cheeses and truffle-based dishes. For Orvieto, try it with seafood, light pasta dishes, or as an aperitif.
How does Umbria compare to other major wine regions?▼
Umbria is much smaller than Tuscany or Piedmont but punches above its weight with Sagrantino, which produces more intensely tannic wines than Barolo or Brunello. While it lacks the international recognition of its neighbors, Umbria offers exceptional value and unique indigenous varieties. Think of it as Italy's hidden gem for serious wine lovers.

Map data: vineyards.com, manually traced and edited