Colli Martani DOC and All the Wines of the Territory

The production of a vast range of well-known wines comes from the Colli Martani DOC sub-region, a wine-growing area in southern Umbria, which involves the municipalities of Massa Martana, Gualdo Cattaneo, Giano dell’Umbria, Montefalco, Castel Ritaldi and Bevagna. all over the world.

The quintessential style of the Colli Martani is different from the rest due to its soil types, the selection of grape varieties and the specific production methods of the area’s winemakers. These elements contribute to a style of wine found nowhere else in Italy or in the world. The sub-region offers red, white, sparkling and dessert wines produced from various blends of grapes and therefore has a natural diversity of taste that creates an absolute paradise for wine lovers.

The history of the wine region dates back to Roman times. The Colli Martani developed mainly thanks to the roads that the Etruscans built here. Several amphorae finds dating back to the 7th century show that wine from the region was transported to France. The Colli Martani vineyards have always been organized on a large scale. Step by step, the Colli Martani subregion gained fame and developed enough to obtain appellation status and become an authorized DOC in 1988.

The wines of the Colli Martani must be composed of at least 50% of a main grape variety, but the pure variety wines are composed of 85% of a single type of grape. The main grape varieties for the production of white wine are Trebbiano, Grechetto, Chardonnay, Riesling and Sauvignon blanc, while the red grape varieties are mainly Sangiovese, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon.
Sparkling wine or sparkling wine can be a blend of at least 50% Chardonnay, Grechetto or Pinot Noir and sweet or dessert wine is made up of at least 85% Vernaccia Nera and 15% of another blend.
The altitude of the land cultivated with vines is between 150 and 600m above sea level. with variable slopes and a general exposure oriented towards north, north-east. The climatic conditions and the exposure of the land, as well as the different altitudes at which the vineyards are located, create adequate conditions for obtaining still wines, sparkling wines and from dried grapes.
The specification has been recognized since 1988. In 2009 it was modified by adding Vernaccia obtained from the relative Vernaccia Nera or Vernaccia vine among the DOC names.

THE VERNACCIA

The Colli Martani Vernaccia is a red raisin wine DOC whose production is permitted in some areas of the municipalities of Gualdo Cattaneo, Giano dell’Umbria Massa Martana, Montefalco, Castel Ritaldi, Bevagna.

At the time of harvest, the ripe bunches of black grapes are chosen. the bunches are hung in a shaded and ventilated place. After a couple of months, when the grapes have dried, the healthy grapes are manually removed from the stalk, crushed and left to boil for two or three days. The must is placed in wooden barrels and undergoes a short fermentation. After some time the first decanting is carried out, an operation which must be repeated at intervals of 15-20 days. The Vernaccia must be ready for Easter because the dishes prepared for the occasion are better enjoyed.

THE TREBBIANO SPOLETINO DOC

It is an oenological excellence, of ancient tradition, rediscovered in the last fifteen years by farmers who have started cultivating Trebbiano again.

The vineyards planted with field maple were the predominant element of the plain landscape between Montefalco and Trevi. From the large bunches the cellarmen obtain an amber-coloured wine, with a highly intense olfactory impact and persistence of yellow flowers with a slight citrus hint. A wine for the best palates to pair with structured first courses and white meats.

THE SAGRANTINO PASSITO DOC

Montefalco Sagrantino Passito DOCG is a passito wine that derives solely from 100% Sagrantino grapes.
Its sweetness and aroma make it an ideal end of a meal that cannot be missing from your personal cellar to be served at the right time after a dinner and a moment of conviviality.

The harvest of the Sagrantino grapes that will give life to this Passito takes place strictly by hand during the first days of October. After the harvesting phase, they are left to dry for about 2 months inside small wooden boxes. From this moment on, the grapes undergo a process of fermentation in steel followed by a phase of maturation in 225-litre French oak barriques for a period of 24 months. The final phase of refinement will then last 12 months in the bottle. The taste is delicate and harmonious

THE MONTEFALCO GRECHETTO DOC

On the nose it is delicate with floral notes. The taste is soft, harmonious and pleasantly fruity. the whole grapes are softly pressed to extract only the free-run must; the vinification takes place with the aid of cold techniques to enhance the aromas and finesse of the wine with fermentation lasting approximately 10 – 15 days.
Starters, cured meats, porchetta, fresh cheeses, first courses, legume and cereal soups, rustic cakes, stews.
Deep straw yellow in colour. It opens to the sense of smell with elegance: fresh, fruity and floral with notes of citrus, peach, almond and hawthorn. The taste has a good structure and pleasant freshness.

Accompanies seafood appetizers, cured meats, fresh cheeses and first courses. Excellent with legume and cereal soups, rustic cakes and fish-based second courses.

MONTEFALCO ROSSO DOC (vitigno sangiovese)

Wine produced using Sangiovese grape varieties, another native variety of Montefalco and a deeply traditional red grape variety, the limestone and clay terroir make it a full-bodied and aromatic wine, with spicy and red fruit notes.
Intense and deep ruby red color, with purple reflections. On the nose it presents intense aromas of plum and violet with a minty note on the finish.

With a round and full-bodied taste, velvety and elegant. It pairs well with structured dishes, pork or game.