I Love Italian Travel - Umbria Wine Tours by:Levi Reiss
So you are planning a tour of Umbria; the only region of Italy with neither a seacoast nor a border with a foreign country
. Let's hope that won't stop you from visiting this beautiful region, still somewhat unknown to tourists. Whether or not you are Catholic, you should see the Basilica di San Franceso dedicate to Italy's patron saint, St, Francis of Assisi. Don't miss the frescoes illustrating his life. On the other hand, you may want to avoid Calendimaggio (May 1), Easter, the feast of St. Francis (October 4), and Christmas because of the crowds.Perugia, the capital is an artistic center. The Duomo (Cathedral), Palazzo dei Priori (Town Hall) which contains the Galleria Nazionale dell'Umbria (Umbria National Gallery), and Collegio dei Cambio (Bankers' Guild Hall) are steps from each other. They and the nearby Museo Archeologico Nazionale with its excellent collection of Etruscan artifacts are all worth seeing. In addition Perugia is known for at least three things, Perugina chocolate, the Umbria Jazz Festival held during July, and Italian language schools. Head about ten miles (fifteen kilometers) southeast to the town of Torgiano to see the Cantine Lungarotti winery and the neighboring Museo del Vino with a great collection of historic wine tools and equipment.
Umbria's most prestigious wines are Montefalco Sagrantino DOCG and Torgiano Rosso Riserva DOCG. The first is made southeast of Perugia from virtually 100% Sagrantino grapes. This wine may be dry or sweet. The second is vinified southeast of but much closer to Perugia from the red Sangiovese, one of Italy's signature grapes, and some lesser local red or white grapes. Another well known but often overrated Umbria wine is Orvieto DOC produced southwest of Perugia from a variety of white local grapes. This wine is usually dry. Sweet Orvieto is highly recommended but hard to find.
Common white grape varieties include the local Grechetto, the ubiquitous Trebbiano, and Chardonnay. Common red local grape varieties include Sangiovese, and the international Gamay, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Merlot. Sagrantino is hardly common; it's found on some 250 acres (about 100 hectares), and only in Umbria.
Companies that sell wine tours of Umbria include iExplore, LeBaccanti, Umbria Wine Tours, and Alabaster and Clark Wine Tours Worldwide. Some Umbria wineries which accept visits and provide lodgings (agriturismo) are Antonelli-San Marco in Montefalco, Azienda Agricola La Fiorita S.R.L. - Lamborghini in Panicale, Barberani, Azienda Agricola Vallesanta in Baschi, and Decugnano dei Barbi in Orvieto. A few words of warning are in order. Make sure to check ahead of time for opening hours and whether English is spoken.
About the author
Levi Reiss has authored or co-authored ten books on computers and the Internet but he would rather just drink fine Italian or other wine, accompanied by the right foods. He teaches various computer classes in an Ontario French-language community college. Check out his wine website http://www.theworldwidewine.com with a weekly column reviewing $10 wines and new sections writing about (theory) and tasting (practice) organic and kosher wines. Dubai Holidays: A Dream of All Vacationers by:Jone Gaill Dubai Holiday Packages: Enjoy a Majestic Stay in the City Of Merchants by:Jone Gail Paris Holidays: Sparkling Your Life by:Jone Gail Enjoy a Fairy Tale Honeymoon with Mauritius Honeymoon Packages by:Jone Gail Explore the White Beaches and Savor Varied Cuisines with Mauritius Packages by:Jone Gail Simple Ideas to Get Organized for Travel by:Alicia Rockmore & Sarah Welch Get a Glimpse of the Futuristic City with Dubai Tour Package by:Jone Gail Maldives Honeymoon Packages: The Perfect Backdrop for the Divine Union of Hearts by:Jone Gail Catch A Glimpse Of the Nature's Beauty with Maldives Holidays by:Jone Gail Head Towards a World of Complete Bliss with Maldives Tour Packages by:Jone Gail Express Your Eternal Love With Paris Honeymoon Packages by:Jone Gail Paris Vacation Packages: Adds Smiles on the Faces of All by:Jone Gail Mauritius Holidays: Unlimited Fun and Entertainment Awaits You by:Jone Gail