Sagrantino ★ 4.9
Umbria's most tannic red grape, thick-skinned and traditionally used for the sweet Sagrantino di Montefalco Passito, the historic style that predates the dry DOCG, elevated to DOCG status in 1992.
The grapes that define Umbria: the canonical varietals and how the region expresses them.
Canonical grapes of Umbria
Grechetto ★ 4.5
Umbria's principal white grape, minimum 60 percent with Procanico in Orvieto DOC, grown as the distinct Grechetto di Todi in the Colli Martani hills, adding herbal, nutty structure to blends.
Trebbiano Spoletino ★ 4.3
A once-overlooked local white grape reviving around Spoleto DOC, recognised in 2011 at minimum 85 percent, traditionally trained on pergolas, now bottled still, sparkling and as Passito.
Sangiovese ★ 4.4
The backbone red of Montefalco Rosso DOC and Torgiano Rosso Riserva DOCG, blended with Sagrantino, Canaiolo and other varieties depending on the appellation.
Procanico ★ 4.0
The Orvieto-area name for Trebbiano Toscano, required with Grechetto at a combined minimum 60 percent of Orvieto DOC, giving Orvieto whites their citrus lift.
Verdello ★ 3.7
A secondary white grape permitted in the Orvieto DOC blend alongside Grechetto and Procanico, contributing acidity and a green-fruit edge. Umbria accounts for the large majority of Italy's Verdello plantings.
Drupeggio ★ 3.6
A minor, near-Orvieto-exclusive white grape permitted in the Orvieto DOC blend's remaining share alongside Procanico and Grechetto. Rarely bottled as a varietal wine, it is almost always a background blending component.
Cabernet Sauvignon ★ 3.5
An international variety planted alongside Sagrantino and Sangiovese on several Montefalco estates and permitted in the Colli Martani and Colli del Trasimeno DOC blends, used mainly to add structure to Umbria IGT reds.
Merlot ★ 3.5
A widely planted international red across Umbria's DOC zones, appearing in Montefalco estate blends, the Colli del Trasimeno DOC red, and as a Riserva-eligible varietal in the Amelia DOC around Amelia and Narni.
Signature Grapes in Umbria, FAQ
When is the best time to visit Umbria for wine?
Peak wine-travel season in Umbria is spring through autumn, with harvest the standout window.
Do I need an appointment to taste at Umbria estates?
classified-growth and grand-cru estates require booking days to weeks ahead; smaller family domaines often take walk-ins midweek.
What hours do Umbria cellars and tasting rooms keep?
most estates open 10:00 to 17:00 by appointment, often closed Sunday and Monday.
How does tipping work at Umbria tastings?
tipping is not expected at tastings; buying a bottle from the cellar door is the customary thank-you.
What is the one wine to try in Umbria?
Ask the next local you meet what they would order. Umbria rewards trust.