Montefalco Wine Region

The Montefalco wine area in Umbria has long been a renowned “place for wine,” as indicated by the various historical sources that mention its viticultural hills. The authenticity and character of this unique terroir reveal the potential of the Montefalco wine area to produce excellent red and white wines. The winemakers of Montefalco DOC are proud to present to wine enthusiasts a quality wine that has more to tell than others. Where it comes from, how it is processed, the historical origins, and its terroir characteristics, the wine enthusiast can perceive and appreciate more during a visit to the wineries. We invite you to dive into the distinctive wines that make Montefalco a favourite for wine drinkers worldwide.

Explore our site to discover what Wineries in Montefalco have to offer and start planning for your holiday today. Find out more about Wine Tasting and Tours in Montefalco.

Where is the Montefalco Wine Region?

Montefalco DOC is located in the province of Perugia, in the heart of Umbria. It includes the whole municipal territory that bears its name, as well as parts of Bevagna, Giano dell' Umbria, Gualdo Cattaneo, and Castel Ritaldi. It is a fairly tiny producing region, with terrain gradually sloping over steep profiles populated by historic medieval communities.

Unique Terroir of Montefalco DOC

The Montefalco DOC production region covers many municipalities in the province of Perugia, including Montefalco, Bevagna, Gualdo Cattaneo, Castel Ritaldi, and Giano in Umbria. 

The entire region is divided into four sub-areas that correspond to four different types of terrain. The river-lake conglomerates, which are composed of yellow sands and lacustrine cemented conglomerates. Lake sands and clays. Alluvial soils, with a pebbly sand quality, correlate to simple surfaces, and lastly the Marls, enormous regions, but less productive, in which yellowish sandstones and greyish silt marls are highlighted.

The average annual rainfall is roughly 700 mm, with summer being the driest season and autumn being the wettest. Snow falls roughly seven times a year, and the accumulations can be fairly large at times.

History of Montefalco Wine Region

In the territory of Montefalco, you can witness a new winemaking reality in 1889 built in the area of Scacciadiavoli in the municipality of Montefalco. Initiative born from Prince Ugo Boncompagni who had provided for the construction of a plant with a high density using the Sangiovese, Malvasia Nera and Trebbiano Dorato vines. Sagrantino was then used in very small quantities and served only to strengthen the structure and colour.

On 30 October 1979, the wine DOC Montefalco received the Denomination of Controlled Origin designation. 

The 1979 standard depicts an image of Montefalco vineyards in various percentages: Sangiovese from 60% to 75%, Sagrantino from 5% to 10%, Trebbiano Toscano from 15% to 20%, and other red varieties up to 15%. 

Following that, the criteria were changed to exclude white grape types. Along with the production of red wines, the Montefalco Bianco designation was requested, to which the territory's most common vines contribute: Grechetto, Trebbiano Toscano, and Trebbiano Spoletino. As a result, the appellation request lists Grechetto as the principal grape type, balanced by Trebbiano and a part of other non-aromatic white grapes.

What is Montefalco DOC Wine?

Only the area's devoted and consistent oenological methods are permitted in the vinification phases of Montefalco DOC wines, giving the wines their distinct quality characteristics. Note: Montefalco Rosso can be mistaken for the younger Montefalco Sagrantino wine. In fact, these are two different wines in composition and production.

Montefalco DOC Bianco: Grechetto (minimum 50%), Trebbiano Toscano (20-35%). Other white berry varieties suited for growing in the Umbria region can add up to 30%. 

The Montefalco Bianco wine has good character and freshness, and the proportion and kind of mix vary depending on the location. Grechetto is used at least 50% of the time, followed by Trebbiano, which can range from 20% to 35% of the time, and lastly other white grape varietals native to the region.

Montefalco DOC Rosso (also Riserva): Sangiovese (60-70%), Sagrantino (10-15%). Other red varieties suited for growing in the Umbria region can contribute up to 30%. 

The Montefalco Rosso wine is made from a blend of Sangiovese and Sagrantino grapes. Sangiovese is the indisputable master of central Italy, and it has a historic heritage and a large distribution here in Montefalco. Lower-altitude Sagrantino contributes to the quality of this wine through tannins, structure, and typicality. Other red grape varieties indigenous to the region can also compete.

The DOC Montefalco Rosso wine with the mention Riserva must be aged for at least 30 months, at least 12 of which must be in oak barrels. 

The year of production of the grapes must be stated on the labels of each kind of Montefalco DOC wine.

Food to Pair with Montefalco DOC Wine

Spaghetti alla nursina with black truffles

Spaghetti alla nursina is an Umbrian-inspired traditional Italian spaghetti dish. It is often cooked with spaghetti, anchovies, black truffles, garlic, olive oil, salt, and pepper. The truffles are shredded and sautéed briefly in olive oil over low heat. 

Remove the pan from the heat and add the garlic and anchovies, which are then mashed with a fork. The sauce is slowly simmered over low heat and seasoned with salt and pepper. The spaghetti is cooked and coated in olive oil before being served with the truffle sauce spooned over it.

Pizza Boscaiola, an Italian Speciality with Mushroom 

Boscaiola is a typical Italian pizza with mozzarella, porcini or champignon mushrooms, tomatoes, cream, and sliced Italian sausage on top. It is sometimes made without tomatoes and can be topped with olive oil, olives, or fresh parsley.

Pecorino Pepato, Spicy Sheep’s Milk Cheese  

Pecorino pepato is an Italian Pecorino cultivar from Sicily. The cheese is created from raw sheep's milk and matures between 2 and 4 months. The texture under the natural rind is flaky and creamy, with black peppercorns running throughout the paste. 

The scent is spicy, and the tastes include salty, tangy, lemony, and peppery notes. Pecorino pepato is a table cheese that may also be grated over salads, polenta, or risotto. Serve with fatty cured meats and a glass of robust red wine on the side if eaten alone.

Places to visit in Montefalco

Perugia, Dynamic Heart of Umbria Region

Perugia is a medieval city enclosed by an Etruscan wall. Umbria's capital is well-known for its saints and artists. It is one of the most magnificent medieval cities in Italy due to the architecture of the historical core from the XIV century. 

The city flourished as a major hub of culture and art in the heart of Italy during the Late Middle Ages and the Renaissance. Here, renowned artists like Pinturicchio and Perugino, also known as Pietro Vannucci, were born. Modern Perugia is bustling with activity, thanks in great part to the presence of one of Europe's oldest colleges, founded in 1308, in the city.

Additionally, the city hosts the Umbria Jazz Festival each year, which is celebrated throughout the city's nightclubs, theaters, public spaces, and streets. Visits to several of them are entirely free.

Lake Trasimeno, Spend Lovely Time in the Sun on Lake’s Coast

On the border with Arezzo and Siena, Lake Trasimeno is situated in Umbria's Perugia district and is a part of the Tuscany region. There is a staggering range of stunning landscapes, aesthetic, historical, and folkloric sites located here. One of Umbria's most visited locations, thousands of visitors stay in "agrotourism" hotels here each year to take advantage of the region's outdoor activities. One of Italy's largest lakes is called Trasimeno. Despite being tiny, it has a 128 km2 area. On the lake, there are three islands: Polvese, Maggiore, and Minor.

Spello an Incredible Flower Festival of Corpus Domini

The Corpus Domini flower ceremony is held in Spello every year. On this day, the city streets are carpeted with flower petals, and a religious procession departs from the church of Santa Maria Maggiore. Creating designs from flower petals is a true art form, and thousands of people visit here each year. Hundreds of citizens draw flower petals on the city's streets and squares the night before the celebration. There are 60-65 flowery “carpets” covering an area of almost 1500 m2. The ceremony arose from the habit of Christians showering the Corpus Domini (Holy Sepulchre) procession with flower petals.

The custom of scattering floral petal designs along the procession's route has endured for many years. During the “night of flowers” in Spello, you may appreciate the hard work of pattern designers, visit the local market, exhibits, musical performances, and taste local food.

Frequently Asked Questions about Montefalco Wine Region