Spoleto DOC
Key Italian Terms
Umbria's hidden white wine gem, built on the ancient and revitalized Trebbiano Spoletino grape.
Spoleto DOC is a small Umbrian appellation established in 2011, dedicated to the native Trebbiano Spoletino grape. Located south of Montefalco, the zone covers approximately 60 hectares of clayey-limestone vineyards at elevations between 220 and 472 meters. Styles range from crisp still whites to sparkling and passito.
- DOC status established in 2011; 2025 amendments removed the 400-meter altitude ceiling and introduced a Riserva category
- Trebbiano Spoletino is the only grape variety grown exclusively in Umbria, centered around Spoleto and Montefalco
- Approximately 60 hectares under vine
- Bianco requires minimum 50% Trebbiano Spoletino; varietal, Spumante, and Passito wines require minimum 85%
- Vineyards sit at 220 to 472 meters elevation on clayey-limestone soils
- Traditionally trained on 'maritata' vines, historically married to maple or elm trees for support
- The grape was nearly forgotten through much of the 20th century, with the first single-varietal wines produced only in the early 2000s
Location and Terroir
Spoleto DOC covers the municipality of Spoleto and surrounding areas in Umbria, central Italy, sitting just south of the Montefalco DOC appellation. The vineyards range in elevation from 220 to 472 meters, following 2025 regulatory amendments that removed the previous 400-meter ceiling. Soils are predominantly clayey-limestone with few minerals, and the climate is Mediterranean-subcontinental: warm summers between 18 and 23 degrees Celsius, cold winters between 4 and 6 degrees Celsius, and annual rainfall of 750 to 1300mm.
- Elevation: 220 to 472 meters above sea level
- Soils: clayey-limestone texture with low mineral content
- Climate: warm summers, cold winters, moderate to high annual rainfall
- Located south of Montefalco DOC in Umbria
Trebbiano Spoletino: The Grape
Trebbiano Spoletino is the sole grape variety of the Spoleto DOC and the only variety grown exclusively in Umbria. Known in the area since the 19th century, it was largely abandoned during the 20th century before being rediscovered in the early 2000s, when the first single-varietal wines appeared. The grape produces wines with crisp acidity, citrus notes, and aromatic herbs. Depending on winemaking technique, styles range from floral and aromatic to Sauvignon Blanc-like to relatively neutral. Traditionally, the vines were trained using the 'maritata' method, supported by living maple or elm trees.
- Indigenous exclusively to Umbria, concentrated around Spoleto and Montefalco
- Known since the 19th century; nearly lost during the 20th century
- First single-varietal wines produced in the early 2000s
- Traditional 'maritata' vine training uses maple or elm trees as natural supports
Classification and Wine Styles
Spoleto DOC was officially established in 2011. The appellation produces dry white wines across several categories: Bianco, Trebbiano Spoletino, Superiore, and Riserva, plus Spumante (sparkling) and Passito (dessert) styles. The Bianco requires a minimum of 50% Trebbiano Spoletino, while the varietal Trebbiano Spoletino, Spumante, and Passito wines all require at least 85% of the grape. The Riserva category was introduced by 2025 regulatory amendments, which also removed the former 400-meter altitude ceiling for vineyard classification.
- Styles: Bianco, Trebbiano Spoletino, Superiore, Riserva, Spumante, Passito
- Bianco: minimum 50% Trebbiano Spoletino
- Varietal, Spumante, and Passito: minimum 85% Trebbiano Spoletino
- 2025 amendments introduced Riserva category and removed altitude restrictions
Drinking something from this region?
Look up any wine by name or label photo -- get tasting notes, food pairings, and a drinking window.
Open Wine Lookup →Key Producers
A small but committed group of producers drives the Spoleto DOC, with estates including Antonelli San Marco, Fratelli Pardi, Perticaia, Scacciadiavoli, Paolo Bea, Bocale, and Romanelli. These producers have been central to the revival of Trebbiano Spoletino and the appellation's growing reputation for distinctive, high-quality central Italian whites.
- Notable producers: Antonelli San Marco, Fratelli Pardi, Perticaia, Scacciadiavoli
- Paolo Bea, Bocale, and Romanelli also among key names
- Producer community has led the revival of Trebbiano Spoletino since the early 2000s
Crisp acidity with citrus notes, aromatic herbs, and floral character. Winemaking style influences the profile significantly, ranging from Sauvignon Blanc-like aromatics to more neutral, mineral-driven expressions. Passito versions offer concentrated sweetness from the same grape.
- Perticaia Trebbiano Spoletino$20-35A benchmark varietal expression showing crisp acidity, citrus, and herbal character from a leading Spoleto producer.Find →
- Antonelli San Marco Trebbiano Spoletino$25-40One of the appellation's most recognized estates, producing structured Trebbiano Spoletino with aromatic complexity.Find →
- Bocale Trebbiano Spoletino$20-35Bocale delivers a textured, mineral-driven style that highlights the variety's unique character in Spoleto.Find →
- Fratelli Pardi Trebbiano Spoletino$22-38Consistent quality from a family estate central to the modern revival of Trebbiano Spoletino.Find →
- Spoleto DOC established 2011; 2025 amendments removed 400-meter altitude ceiling and added Riserva category
- Trebbiano Spoletino minimum: 50% for Bianco; 85% for varietal, Spumante, and Passito wines
- Trebbiano Spoletino is the only grape grown exclusively in Umbria
- Appellation covers approximately 60 hectares on clayey-limestone soils at 220 to 472 meters elevation
- Traditional 'maritata' vine training married vines to maple or elm trees for support