Assisi DOC
How to pronounce Assisi DOC terms
A quietly ambitious Umbrian appellation nestled beneath Mount Subasio, blending Sangiovese tradition with international varieties.
Assisi DOC is an Umbrian appellation granted in 1997, producing red, white, and rosé wines from vineyards around the historic city of Assisi. The zone sits in Perugia province, covering municipalities of Assisi, Perugia, and Spello at elevations from 180 to 750 meters. Sangiovese and Trebbiano anchor the key blends.
- DOC status granted in 1997, located in Perugia province at the foot of Mount Subasio
- Vineyards range from 180 to 750 m (590 to 2,460 ft) elevation, concentrated on slopes less than 10%
- Assisi Rosso requires 50-70% Sangiovese blended with 10-30% Merlot
- Assisi Bianco requires 50-70% Trebbiano with a minimum of 10% Grechetto
- Riserva wines require minimum 85% of the primary grape and 24 months aging (12 in barrel, 3 in bottle)
- Minimum alcohol levels range from 11.0% for Bianco and Rosato up to 13.0% for Riserva wines
- Situated north of Torgiano Rosso Riserva DOCG
Location and Geography
Assisi DOC occupies the Perugia province of Umbria, centered on the slopes beneath Mount Subasio. The appellation encompasses the municipalities of Assisi, Perugia, and Spello. Vineyard sites sit between 180 and 750 meters above sea level, with all plantings restricted to slopes of less than 10%. The zone lies north of the prestigious Torgiano Rosso Riserva DOCG.
- Elevations span 180 to 750 m (590 to 2,460 ft)
- Covers Assisi, Perugia, and Spello municipalities
- All vineyards on slopes of less than 10% gradient
- Located north of Torgiano Rosso Riserva DOCG in central Umbria
Climate and Soils
The appellation benefits from a temperate climate with cool, moderate winters averaging 3.2°C and warm summers. This seasonal contrast allows for a longer ripening period, helping grapes develop complexity while retaining acidity. Soils consist of lacustrine sands, stratum detritus, and sandy loams with a high mineral concentration, characteristics well suited to aromatic white varieties and structured reds alike.
- Temperate climate with average winter temperatures of 3.2°C
- Warm summers extend the growing season and support full ripening
- Soils include lacustrine sands and sandy loams with high mineral concentration
- Stratum detritus adds textural variation across different vineyard sites
Grape Varieties and Wine Styles
Assisi DOC authorizes a range of indigenous and international varieties. Sangiovese and Trebbiano anchor the main red and white blends, while Grechetto plays a supporting role in both the Bianco blend and as a varietal wine in its own right. Merlot is blended with Sangiovese in the Rosso, and Cabernet Sauvignon and Pinot Nero appear as varietal wines. The appellation produces Rosso, Bianco, Rosato, Novello, and Grechetto styles, with Riserva designations available for qualifying wines.
- Assisi Rosso: 50-70% Sangiovese, 10-30% Merlot
- Assisi Bianco: 50-70% Trebbiano, minimum 10% Grechetto
- Varietal wines include Grechetto, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Pinot Nero
- Novello and Rosato styles round out the appellation's portfolio
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Open Wine Lookup →Classification and Production Rules
Assisi received DOC status in 1997, formalizing a viticultural tradition with centuries of history in the region. Riserva wines must contain a minimum of 85% of the primary declared grape and undergo 24 months of aging, with at least 12 months in barrel and 3 months in bottle. Minimum alcohol levels are clearly defined across styles: 11.0% for Bianco and Rosato, 11.5% for Grechetto, 12.0% for Rosso, 12.5% for varietal reds, and 13.0% for Riserva wines.
- DOC status granted in 1997
- Riserva: minimum 85% primary grape, 24 months aging (12 barrel, 3 bottle)
- Alcohol minimums: 11.0% Bianco/Rosato, 12.0% Rosso, 13.0% Riserva
- Viticultural traditions in the area date back centuries
Assisi Rosso offers medium-bodied red fruit from Sangiovese with a softer, rounder texture contributed by Merlot. The Bianco and Grechetto whites deliver fresh acidity with herbal and mineral notes drawn from the sandy, mineral-rich soils. Riserva reds gain structure and complexity from extended barrel aging.
- SAIO Assisi Rosso DOC$12-18Approachable Sangiovese-Merlot blend from a noted Assisi producer, showing the appellation's fruit-forward style.Find →
- Sportoletti Assisi Rosso DOC$20-30Sportoletti is among Assisi's most respected estates, producing structured reds true to the DOC's regulations.Find →
- Tili Vini Grechetto di Assisi DOC$14-20Varietal Grechetto from a local producer, highlighting the mineral, herb-driven character of Umbrian white wines.Find →
- Sportoletti Assisi Rosso Riserva DOC$35-50Riserva-level wine aged 24 months per DOC rules, offering depth and complexity from Mount Subasio slopes.Find →
- Assisi DOC granted in 1997, located in Perugia province, Umbria, at the foot of Mount Subasio
- Rosso blend: 50-70% Sangiovese, 10-30% Merlot; Bianco blend: 50-70% Trebbiano, minimum 10% Grechetto
- Riserva rules: minimum 85% primary grape, 24 months total aging (12 months barrel, 3 months bottle)
- Alcohol minimums: 11.0% Bianco/Rosato, 11.5% Grechetto, 12.0% Rosso, 12.5% varietal reds, 13.0% Riserva
- Soils are lacustrine sands and sandy loams with high mineral concentration; vineyards on slopes under 10%