Umbria wine region is a hidden gem. Often seen as the lesser-known cousin of Tuscany, producing less than a quarter of its neighbour, there’s actually plenty to be excited about when it comes to Umbrian wine. It has a very similar climate and geographical makeup to Tuscany, but the key difference is that many wines here are made with indigenous local grapes. Procanico and Grechetto are popular white varieties which have propelled the reputation of Umbria with its DOC zones in Orvieto and Torgiano. These two areas produce fabulous white wines, awash with stone fruits and typical Italian acidic freshness. Sangiovese is the main red grape variety, whilst Sagrantino is a full-bodied, full tannin local legend, and well worth a try if you can get your hands on a bottle.
