Colli Martani Wine

Colli Martani is a DOC from the broad basin south of Perugia, in the Italian region of Umbria. Vineyards are located north-east and south-west of the mountains which run from Bettona to Massa Martana. This area is steeped in history: the Etruscans first established road links which enhanced the development of the area, resulting in the wines of this region being held in great esteem through the centuries.

Standard Colli Martani Bianco is based on Trebbiano, which, with Grechetto, is at the heart of almost all Umbria's white wines. Both of these varieties can also be made into Colli Martani's varietal wines, joining Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling and Vernaccia in this respect.

Colli Martani Rosso is based on an equally Umbrian red blend of Sangiovese (a minimum 50%) and usually Montepulciano. As with the white varieties, these two components of the DOC's basic red wine can also be used as varietals, as can Merlot. The standard ageing period for red riserva wines made under this title is 24 months.

A Colli Martani wine style worthy of extra mention is the Grechetto di Todi varietal. Grechetto di Todi is a sub-variety of the standard white Grechetto grape, named after the Todi commune in the south-west of the Martani hills. Its low yields mean the wines it produces have particularly concentrated flavors. As such, Grechetto di Todi is not only used on its own, but also to add structure and richness to other whites from Colli Martani. Such is the esteem in which Grechetto di Todo is held here that its name may be added to that of the DOC on labels.