Colli Altotiberini

The Protected Designation of Origin "Colli Altotiberini" includes the following types of wine: white, White spumante, White superiore, red, red novello, red riserva, rosé, Grechetto, Trebbiano, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Sauvignon Riserva, Merlot, Merlot Riserva, Sangiovese and Sangiovese Riserva.

Grapes

"Colli Altotiberini" wines require vinification based on grapes from vineyards composed, for at least 50%, of characteristic vines: Trebbiano Toscano (for Bianco and Superiore), Sangiovese (for Rosso, Rosso Riserva, Rosato and Novello) and Grechetto, Chardonnay, Pinot Bianco, Pinot Nero and Pinot Grigio (for Spumante, alone or in combination). The remaining portion, never more than 50%, can be made with other grape varieties of similar color, suitable for cultivation in Umbria. Finally, when the vine is specified in the denomination, it must represent at least 85% of the vineyard of production.

Physicochemical and Organoleptic properties

All red wines are presented in a garish ruby hue, with purple reflections and nuances that tend to garnet with aging. They show good acidity and are embellished with floral aromas, with fruity notes of cherries and raspberries, sweet spices and chocolate. Aging, then, can enrich them with spicy and woody scents. The taste is well-structured, with a complex and harmonious finish. In white wines, on the other hand, the colour is straw yellow, with possible greenish or golden reflections. They have a characteristic and pleasant aroma and a dry and harmonious flavour, which in Grechetto becomes dry or sweet and is enriched with a slightly bitter aftertaste. The minimum total alcoholic strength by volume is 10,50% vol to 11,50% vol for white wines, 11,50% vo. to 13% vol for red wines.

Grape production area

The production area coincides with a hilly territory included in the province of Perugia, in the north-west of Umbria.

Specificity and historical notes

Viticulture in the production area of the Colli Altotiberini was already practiced in Roman times and widely spread in the Middle Ages, as evidenced by numerous documents.