Todi DOC

Wine production in the Todi area stretches back to ancient Etruscan settlement, and the connection between this land and viticulture is documented in remarkable detail. Pliny the Elder referenced local wines in the first century A.D. with the phrase 'Peculiaris est tudernis,' meaning typical of Todi, confirming the zone's long-established wine identity. The Grechetto grape itself dates to the Middle Ages or possibly earlier, with roots potentially tracing to Greek domination of the region. Despite this ancient legacy, Todi DOC is formally the youngest appellation in Umbria, granted DOC status in May 2010.

• Ancient Etruscan territory with a continuous wine production tradition
• Pliny the Elder documented Todi's wines in the first century A.D.
• Grechetto's origins link to the Middle Ages or possibly Greek settlement
• DOC status granted May 2010, making it Umbria's newest designation

Todi DOC occupies a parallelogram-shaped zone approximately 15 kilometers across, framed by the Colli Martani hills to the east. The appellation sits within the broader Colli Martani DOC and contains a subzone dedicated to Grechetto production. Elevation across the zone ranges from 250 to 600 meters, with the higher altitudes experiencing greater diurnal temperature variation. Two key water bodies shape the climate: Lago di Corbara moderates temperatures at elevation, while breezes from the Tiber River (Tevere) cool the gentle, sun-exposed slopes below.

• Parallelogram-shaped zone approximately 15 kilometers across
• Elevation: 250 to 600 meters above sea level
• Lago di Corbara and the Tiber River both moderate local climate conditions
• Framed to the east by the Colli Martani hills

The soils of Todi DOC are medium in texture with a tendency toward clay, enriched with calcium carbonates and organic matter. Cool winters and warm summers characterize the continental influence at this elevation, while the higher altitude sites benefit from the moderating effects of nearby water bodies. These conditions suit both the aromatic character of Grechetto and the structure demanded by Sangiovese-based reds.

• Medium-texture soils with clay tendency, calcium carbonates, and organic matter
• Cool winters and warm summers with large diurnal shifts at altitude
• Gentle, sunny slopes benefit from Tiber River cooling breezes
• Conditions favor both white aromatic varieties and structured reds

Todi DOC produces a range of wine styles across authorized categories. The Bianco requires a minimum of 50% Grechetto, the indigenous white variety most closely associated with the zone. The Rosso requires a minimum of 50% Sangiovese, with Merlot and other authorized varieties permitted in the blend. Varietal wines from Grechetto, Sangiovese, and Merlot are all permitted, each with Superiore versions that carry a higher minimum alcohol requirement of 12.5%. A Grechetto Passito, a dried-grape dessert wine, rounds out the appellation's portfolio. The authorized varieties also include Trebbiano and other sanctioned white and red grapes.

• Bianco: minimum 50% Grechetto; Rosso: minimum 50% Sangiovese
• Varietal wines permitted for Grechetto, Sangiovese, and Merlot
• Superiore versions available with minimum 12.5% alcohol
• Grechetto Passito produced as a dessert wine style

Several estates have established themselves as key voices in the young appellation. Cantina Tudernum operates as a significant cooperative producer in the zone, while Roccafiore and Cantina Peppucci (Estate Filippo) represent quality-focused estate production. Agri Segretum is also among the recognized producers working within the DOC. Together, these producers cover a range of styles across the appellation's permitted wine categories.

• Cantina Tudernum: major cooperative producer in the appellation
• Roccafiore: quality-focused estate working across DOC categories
• Cantina Peppucci (Estate Filippo): established estate producer
• Agri Segretum: recognized producer within the zone