Nowhere else in Italy as in Umbria is the perfect harmony between art, culture, traditions and connection to the land so vivid and alive. It is felt as one stumbles upon one ancient town after another, where in the midst of everyday life and exquisite surroundings, one comes across the most amazing, and priceless artwork by Perugino, Pinturicchio, Coppo di Marcovaldo, Piero della Francesca, Cesare Nebbia, Simone Martini al Pomaranci, Andrea Pisano, Francesco Moti just to name a few. This wealth of artistic prowess was due in part to a unique and deep merging, reverence and dedication to the land felt by all the masters. This deep attachment to the land and traditions which has its origins to the Etruscan era, is still very prevalent in present-day Umbrian culture.
It is no coincidence that this heightened and condensed display of extraordinary talent should be found in the region that is geographically in the very center of Italy. Umbria has always been a crossroads for people, ideas and cultures and the Umbrian people have always played the role of gracious host to the many foreign thinkers, artisans and artists who have crossed its path.
The most genuine display of welcome to Umbria are of course the renowned food and the highly regarded Umbrian olive oil and wines, which are further testament to the appreciation and reverence of the Umbrian people for their culinary heritage. To this day, seasonal foods and specialties whose origins in many cases date back to the Etruscans, Romans or Middle Ages, are faithfully prepared and served to enhance special feasts, celebrations or just the typical, everyday family meals. Depending on the season and the specific location, one can savor Zuppa di Suor Anita; mezzafegato sausages; white and black truffles; fricco`, a chicken or lamb casserole; cicerchie, an archaic legume; and stringhe, lombrichi, lumbrichelli, strozzapreti, pici, cariole, stangozzi, manfricoli or bigoli, all pasta varieties in many different shapes, textures and sizes!
Of late, the Umbrian wines have received great acclaim in the international arena and have indeed been recognized by the Gambero Rosso guide as some of the top wines in Italy. Amongst them, the Orvieto wines have undergone monumental transformations since their original sweet version which dates back to the Middle Ages and are now proudly produced by Barberani Vallesanta with their Lago di Corbara Rosso Villa Monticelli and Orvieto Classico Superiore Calcaia. Also in the Orvieto DOC zone is Decugnano dei Barbi with their Lago di Corbara ‘IL” and Orvieto Classico Superiore ‘IL”.
Modern production steeped in centuries’ old traditions can be found in the Montefalco DOC area where perhaps the most highly regarded producer, Arnaldo Caprai has almost single-handedly made Montefalco a “household” name in the world of viticulture. Their top quality Sagrantino di Montefalco, made from Sagrantino grapes which have been grown in the area for over 400 years, is an elegant wine showing character as unique as the land in which it thrives.
Other top growers have made their mark in Umbria, most notable of which is Antinori’s Castello della Sala whose estate is housed in the ancient castle bearing the same name. Elegance, tradition, impeccable vinification methods are all employed in the making of the Tre Bicchieri winner Cervaro della Sala as well as Pinot Nero, Muffato della Sala and Orvieto Classico Campogrande.
Another top wine producer in Amelia is Castello delle Regine. In an enchanting setting of rolling hills dotted with olive groves and vineyards this estate produces a Tre Bicchieri winner Merlot as well as Sangiovese Podernovo ,Rosso Princepts, and Bianco delle Regine among others. Other notables include Terre de Trinci, Cantine Lungarotti, Tabarrini, Colpetrone, and Tiburzi just to name a few.
There is little doubt that in the coming years Umbria will emerge as a wine producing giant that will rival its illustrious neighbor, Tuscany.