Colli Altotiberini Wine Region

The communes of Citerna, Città di Castello, Gubbio, Monte Santa Maria Tiberina, Montone, Perugia, San Giustino, and Umbertide in the province of Perugia are included in the Colli Altotiberini wine area, a subregion of the Umbria wine region. At first, the region only produced the typical red, rose, and white wines, but as the region's passionate winemakers began experimenting and improvising, the territory began to create a wide range of wines. Trebbiano grapes are the main grape type that predominates in the 34 hectares of vineyard. Italian for rolling hills across the Tiber river's higher section is Colli Altotiberini. The region is renowned for its gastronomy in addition to its wines.

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Where is the Colli Altotiberini wine region?

The Colli Altotiberini wine area is situated along the Central Apennines mountain range in the northern Umbria wine region of Central Italy. Rolling hills and ridges that cross the Tiber river characterize the region. The area encompasses the entire southern tip of the Tiber valley, from Perugia in the south to Citta di Castello in the north. Along the southern-facing upper slopes of the Tiber valley are some of the best vineyards in the Colli Altotiberini wine area. Italian history and Colli Altotiberini wine have both benefited from the Tiber river's significance. Some significant towns in the region include Gubbio, Umbertide, and Citta di Castello.

History of the Colli Altotiberini wine region

Pliny's enthusiasm for the Colli Altotiberini wine region shows that winemaking there had already been developed during Roman times, even before the Etruscans. Famous authors, poets, and philosophers frequently expressed their admiration for the wine region and its wines. The Colli Altotiberini wine region has long served as a rest stop for visitors going from north to south, which accounts for the excellent local cuisine. Originally established in 1980, the Colli Altotiberini wine region was updated in 2005 to include a variety of wines.

The terroir and geography of the Colli Altotiberini wine region

The topography of the Colli Altotiberini wine region is mostly rolling hills located on both sides of the Tiber river. The altitude of the region ranges from 200 to 550 meters above sea level. The region is dominated by the Central Apennines as in its neighboring region including Abruzzo, Marche, and Lazio. The region is warm and temperate with an average high temperature of 30 degrees Celsius. Rainfall is mostly in the winter with very little in the summers averaging about 926mm. 

Popular grape varieties from the Colli Altotiberini wine region

Trebbiano is the most planted grape variety in the Colli Altotiberini wine region. The regulator has strict standards for having at least 50% of the Trebbiano grape variety. The red and rose wines are primarily made from Sangiovese with a blend of other varietals. The reserve wines are required to age for a minimum of 24 months before release. The region also cultivates several other local and international grape varieties that respond well to the terroir. Other grape varieties in the region are as follows:

Red Varietals: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Pinot Nero, and Sangiovese.

White varietals: Grechetto, Pinot Bianco, Pinot Grigio, and Trebbiano.

Food to pair with Colli Altotiberini wine 

Fiore Sardo

Fiore Sardo is an Italian hard cheese made from sheep’s milk that has been aged for a minimum of four months. It originates from the island of Sardinia, located in the Mediterranean Sea off the coast of Italy. Fiore Sardo is one of the oldest and most famous cheeses in Italy, with its production dating back to Roman times. Its flavor is sharp and salty, with a slightly nutty aftertaste. This cheese pairs well with fruit and nuts, as well as crusty bread or crackers. It can be used in a variety of dishes such as salads, pizzas, pasta dishes, and more! 

Pair this amazing cheese with Trebbiano-based red wines from the Colli Altotiberini wine region. 

Pecorino Romano

Pecorino Romano is one of the most popular hard cheeses in Italy. It is a sheep's milk cheese that has been produced in the region of Lazio since ancient Roman times. It is a salty, crumbly cheese with a sharp and intense flavor that pairs well with many dishes. The cheese is aged for 8-10 months and has a sharp, salty flavor with a slightly nutty finish. It is often used grated on pasta dishes or as a table cheese. Pecorino Romano is an important part of Italian cuisine and can be used to make pizzas, pasta dishes, and salads more flavorful. It is also often used as a grating cheese over dishes like vegetables or soups. Pecorino Romano has been made in Italy for centuries and continues to be enjoyed by many today.

Roast chicken

Roast chicken is a classic dish that has been enjoyed for centuries. It is an easy and delicious meal that can be enjoyed by all ages. Roasting a chicken requires only a few simple ingredients and techniques, making it perfect for those who are new to cooking or want to whip up something quick and tasty. With the right ingredients and techniques, you can make the perfect roast chicken that will have your family coming back for more. Serve it with red wines from the Colli Altotiberini wine region. 

Places to visit in the Colli Altotiberini wine region

Castle of Civitella Ranieri

Near the border of Umbertide, a tiny and historic city in Umbria, on top of the Assino valley, is the Castle of Civitella Ranieri, a castle from the 15th century. One of the best-preserved historical sites in the Umbria region is the castle. The son of Umberto, Raniero, who was William, duke of Monferrato's brother, was the inspiration for the castle's name. The main building of the complex is a pair of lateral cylindrical towers with a keep and enclosed walkway on the northeastern side. Three doorways at the back of the palace lead to the courtyard, which is located behind the castle. The castle was mentioned in a document from Saint Christopher's cathedral dating from 1053, however, the Ranieri family's coat of arms dates the fortress to 1519.

The hermitage of Montecorona

During the middle centuries, the hermitage of Montecorona served as a hub for eremitism and religious activity. Saint Romuald built the hermitage of Montecorona, often known as Camaldolese, as a monastic order with Pontifical rights for males. At the heart of the towering Mount Corona mountain range, which towers over the Umbertide city in the province of Perugia, is this serene holy building. To promote the hermetic spirit, construction work started in 1530. The complex also includes a church, residences, and a monastery that served as a refuge during times of war in the 18th century. It wasn't until 1981 that the complex was renovated by the four nuns of the monastic family of Bethlehem.

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Frequently asked questions about Colli Altotiberini