Umbria, located in central Italy, is renowned for its exceptional wines. Notable characteristics of these wines is their rich and intense aromas, which are often a result of the region's fertile soil and favorable climate. The combination of warm days and cool nights allows the grapes to fully ripen, resulting in wines with complex flavors and well-balanced acidity. Additionally, the wines from Umbria tend to have a velvety texture and smooth finish, making them extremely good crowd pleasers.
When it comes to popular wine types from Umbria, two varieties stand out: Sagrantino and Orvieto. Sagrantino is a red wine made from the indigenous Sagrantino grape. It is known for its deep ruby colour and robust tannins, which give the wine a firm structure and great aging potential. Sagrantino wines often exhibit flavours of dark berries, spices, and hints of tobacco. On the other hand, Orvieto is a white wine made primarily from Grechetto and Trebbiano grapes. It is a crisp and refreshing wine with delicate floral aromas and notes of citrus fruits. Orvieto wines are typically dry, making them an excellent choice for pairing with seafood or light pasta dishes.