Top 100 white wines of Umbria
Discover the top 100 best white wines of Umbria as well as the best winemakers in the region. Explore the varietals of the white wines that are popular of Umbria and the best vintages to taste in this region.
Umbria, in CentralItaly, is a region of lush hills, hilltop villages and iconic historic towns. The latter are exemplified by Orvieto and Assisi. At the very heart of the Italian peninsula, it is surrounded by Tuscany, Marche and Lazio. It is in fact the only Italian region without a coastline or international border.
Umbria, like Marche and Lazio, is best known for its white wine production. Despite changes in style over time, Orvieto DOC (based on the Trebbiano Grape) remains the region's most important appellation. It accounts for more than ten percent of Umbria's total wine production. Orvieto's styles can range from Dry (Secco) to semi-Sweet (Amabile) and sweet wines.
The vermentino grape variety was widespread in Italy, Sardinia and Corsica. Today, Vermentino is grown in the regions bordering the Mediterranean, mainly in Provence (Côtes de Provence, Bellet), Corsica (Corse Calvi), Languedoc (Côtes du Roussillon, Costières de Nîmes) and the Rhône Valley (Côtes du Luberon). Because it ripens late, Vermentino requires a warm climate for its development and can only be grown in regions with good sun exposure. Conversely, cold or temperate climates do not allow it to ripen properly. Vermentino is only susceptible to powdery mildew. When vinified on its own, Vermentino produces a single-variety dry white wine that is light and full-bodied with a pale yellow color. It can also be blended with other grape varieties such as Ugni Blanc, Cinsault and Grenache, in which case its low acidity makes it light and fresh. Vermentino belongs to the grape varieties of Ajaccio, Corsica and Corbières. The aromas released by this variety are multiple. One can detect notes of fresh apple, green almond, sweet spices, hawthorn, ripe pear and fresh pineapple.
white wines from the region of Umbria go well with generally quite well with dishes of pasta, vegetarian or appetizers and snacks such as recipes of chinese noodles with shrimp, quiche without pastry, courgette and blue cheese or cream of asparagus soup in verrines.