Colli del Trasimeno DOC

Colli del Trasimeno DOC sits in western Umbria, wrapped around Lake Trasimeno on the border with Tuscany. The lake, Italy's fourth largest, acts as a natural temperature regulator, creating a temperate Mediterranean climate with mild winters and warm to hot summers. This moderating effect, which locals describe as part of what makes Umbria 'the green heart of Italy,' provides ideal conditions for both vines and olives. Vineyards occupy the surrounding hills, benefiting from optimal sun exposure and extended sunlight hours.

• Lake Trasimeno is the fourth-largest lake in Italy and a key climatic moderator
• Temperate Mediterranean climate with mild winters and warm to hot summers
• 10 municipalities fall within the DOC, including Castiglione del Lago and Passignano sul Trasimeno
• Hill-situated vineyards receive extended and consistent sun exposure

The soils of Colli del Trasimeno reflect the region's geological history, combining marine sediments with clastic sedimentary deposits alongside alluvial soils mixed with clay and limestone. This varied soil mosaic, across 222 hectares of planted vineyards, supports an impressively broad range of grape varieties. The DOC permits over a dozen grapes, spanning indigenous Italian varieties to international cultivars introduced at various points in the appellation's long history.

• Marine sediments and clastic deposits form the primary soil base
• Alluvial soils mixed with clay and limestone also present throughout
• Total planted area is 222 hectares across the appellation
• Soil diversity supports both indigenous and international varieties

Viticulture around Lake Trasimeno has ancient roots. The Tabula Cortonensis, dating to the 2nd century BC, references Etruscan activity in the area, and documented vineyard lands appear in records from the 11th and 12th centuries. By 1252, the municipality of Perugia was formally promoting vine cultivation in the Castiglione del Lago territory. Modern recognition came in 1972, when Colli del Trasimeno received its DOC designation. One of the appellation's most distinctive varieties, Trasimeno Gamay (actually Grenache), is historically documented as arriving in the region through the dowry of Eleonora Alarcón y Mendoza when she married the Duke of Corgna in the 19th century.

• Etruscan viticultural activity referenced in the Tabula Cortonensis, 2nd century BC
• Documented vineyard records date to the 11th and 12th centuries
• Perugia officially promoted vine cultivation in Castiglione del Lago territory in 1252
• DOC designation officially approved in 1972
• Trasimeno Gamay (Grenache) arrived via 19th-century noble dowry

Colli del Trasimeno is one of central Italy's most varied DOCs in terms of permitted grapes. Sangiovese leads the red varieties, joined by Ciliegiolo, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Nero, and the locally storied Trasimeno Gamay, which is Grenache rather than the French Gamay of Beaujolais. White wines are built around Trebbiano Toscano, Grechetto, Vermentino, Chardonnay, Pinot Grigio, Pinot Bianco, Sauvignon Blanc, and Welschriesling. Grechetto, an indigenous Umbrian variety known since Roman times, adds regional character to white blends and varietals. The appellation produces styles ranging from Bianco and Bianco Scelto to Rosso, Rosato, Novello, Riserva, Metodo Classico sparkling wines, and Vin Santo.

• Trasimeno Gamay is Grenache, not French Gamay; a historically documented introduction to the area
• Grechetto is indigenous to Umbria and documented since Roman times
• Red varieties include Sangiovese, Ciliegiolo, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Nero, and Grenache
• White varieties include Trebbiano Toscano, Grechetto, Chardonnay, Vermentino, Pinot Grigio, Sauvignon Blanc, and Welschriesling
• Styles span still reds and whites, rosé, Novello, Riserva, Metodo Classico sparkling, and Vin Santo

Around 22 wineries operate within the Colli del Trasimeno DOC. Notable producers include Montemelino, Tenuta Lamborghini, Cantina Goccia, Madrevite, and Morami. The presence of Tenuta Lamborghini, connected to the famous automotive and agricultural machinery family, has brought international attention to the appellation.

• Approximately 22 wineries are active within the DOC
• Tenuta Lamborghini is among the most internationally recognized estates
• Montemelino, Cantina Goccia, Madrevite, and Morami are other key producers
• The appellation remains relatively compact, supporting boutique-scale production