Colli Martani DOC

Wine production in the Colli Martani hills stretches back to Etruscan civilization, with amphorae artifacts from the 7th century confirming that wines from this area were already being transported to France. The Etruscans also built roads through the region that accelerated its agricultural development. Roman-era viticulture followed, cementing the area's long relationship with the vine. The modern DOC designation arrived in 1988, formalizing the identity of this historically significant zone. In 2009, Vernaccia di Cannara was added to the DOC framework as a designated subzone, expanding recognition for one of central Umbria's distinctive indigenous varieties.

• Amphorae dating to the 7th century confirm early wine trade with France
• Etruscan road-building contributed to regional agricultural development
• DOC status obtained in 1988
• Vernaccia di Cannara added as a subzone in 2009

Colli Martani DOC sits south of Perugia in central Umbria, with vineyards positioned northeast and southwest of the Martani Hills between the towns of Bettona and Massa Martana. The zone encompasses the entire municipalities of Giano dell'Umbria and Gualdo Cattaneo, along with portions of ten additional municipalities. Elevations range from 150 to 600 meters, and soils consist of clay and limestone with sedimentary coverage, including clayey silty and silty sandy profiles that are well-drained and rich in organic matter and minerals. The climate is Mediterranean with multiple microclimates shaped by proximity to the Apennine Mountains, the Tiber River, and Lake Trasimeno, with meaningful diurnal temperature variation across the growing season.

• Vineyards between Bettona and Massa Martana at 150 to 600 meters elevation
• Soils are clay and limestone, well-drained and mineral-rich
• Mediterranean climate moderated by the Apennines, Tiber River, and Lake Trasimeno
• Significant diurnal temperature variation supports grape quality

Grechetto is the primary grape variety of the Colli Martani zone and anchors the Grechetto di Todi subzone. The DOC produces a wide range of styles including white, red, sparkling (Spumante), and dessert wines. The Bianco blend requires a minimum of 50% Trebbiano Toscano, while the Rosso requires at least 50% Sangiovese. Spumante wines must contain a minimum of 50% Chardonnay, Grechetto, or Pinot Noir. Other permitted varieties include Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Nero, and Vernaccia Nera. The Riserva category applies exclusively to red varietal wines and demands two years of aging with a minimum of one year in barrel.

• Grechetto is the signature variety; Trebbiano Toscano and Sangiovese anchor the blends
• Bianco: min. 50% Trebbiano Toscano; Rosso: min. 50% Sangiovese
• Spumante: min. 50% Chardonnay, Grechetto, or Pinot Noir
• Riserva applies only to red varietal wines: 2 years aging, minimum 1 year in barrel

The Colli Martani zone is home to a range of producers from internationally recognized estates to smaller family wineries. Arnaldo Caprai is the most prominent name associated with central Umbria and operates within the broader region. Other producers working in the DOC include Plani Arche, Di Filippo Winery, Colle Uncinano, Romanelli, and Agricola Mevante. These estates collectively represent both the traditional character of the appellation and its ongoing development.

• Arnaldo Caprai is the most internationally recognized producer in the area
• Di Filippo Winery and Colle Uncinano are established estate producers
• Romanelli and Agricola Mevante represent the zone's smaller, artisan producers
• Plani Arche contributes to the diversity of styles across the DOC