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Colli del Trasimeno
Colli del Trasimeno

Colli del Trasimeno

43°15'10.8"N

LATITUDE

12°33'11.0"E

LONGITUDE

14

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TERROIR
RAIN AND
ALTITUDE
GRAPES AND
WINES
about this subregion

The Colli del Trasimeno DOC, located in the Umbria region to the east of Colli Perugini, covers an area of hills of moderate height on the shores of Lake Trasimeno in the province of Perugia. The region can be characterized by hills surrounded by wide valleys.

Winters in the region are cool, while summers are rather warm. The region's climate is moderated by Lake Trasimeno, and the vineyards receive good exposure to the sun and air currents, due to their location.

The soil in the region is composed of marine sediments in the lower layers. On the other hand, it also has an upper layer of marine sediments.

The geological constitution of this area is relatively simple, being present only clastic sedimentary terms of marine environment and later covered by fluvio-lacustrine deposits.

Associations

vinerra illustration
180

Vineyard Hectares

16

WINERIES

1500 - 1800

GROWING DEGREE DAYS

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LOCATION
CLIMATE
SOIL

The Colli del Trasimeno wine region is located in the Umbria region of central Italy, near the border with Tuscany. It surrounds Lake Trasimeno, which is the fourth-largest lake in Italy. The region's name, "Colli del Trasimeno," translates to "Hills of Trasimeno," referring to the hilly terrain surrounding the picturesque lake.

Geographically, the Colli del Trasimeno wine region is situated in the northwest part of Umbria, with its southernmost vineyards stretching close to the border with Tuscany. The lake itself is an essential geographical feature that greatly influences the climate and terroir of the area.

Some of the key towns and villages within or near the Colli del Trasimeno wine region include:

  1. Perugia: The capital city of the Umbria region, Perugia, is located to the southeast of Lake Trasimeno. While not directly part of the wine region, it serves as an essential cultural and economic hub for the surrounding area.
  2. Città della Pieve: This charming medieval town is situated to the southwest of Lake Trasimeno and is known for its artistic heritage and historical significance.
  3. Castiglione del Lago: Located on the western shores of Lake Trasimeno, Castiglione del Lago is a beautiful town with a medieval fortress and stunning lake views.
  4. Passignano sul Trasimeno: Positioned on the northern shore of Lake Trasimeno, this town offers picturesque views of the lake and the surrounding vineyard-covered hills.
  5. Magione: Situated to the east of Lake Trasimeno, Magione is another town in the wine region known for its historical sites and natural beauty.

The Colli del Trasimeno wine region's location amid the gently rolling hills surrounding Lake Trasimeno creates a unique microclimate and diverse terroir that contribute to the production of exceptional wines. The beauty of the landscape and the richness of its cultural heritage make it an attractive destination for wine enthusiasts and travelers seeking to explore the heart of Italy.

The Colli del Trasimeno wine region enjoys a Mediterranean climate, which is heavily influenced by its proximity to Lake Trasimeno in the Umbria region of Italy. The presence of the lake has a moderating effect on the local climate, creating unique conditions that are favorable for grape cultivation.

Here are the key characteristics of the climate in the Colli del Trasimeno wine region:

  1. Mild Winters: Winters in the Colli del Trasimeno region are relatively mild, with temperatures rarely dropping below freezing. This mildness helps to protect the grapevines during the dormant period and prevents frost damage, which can be detrimental to the vineyards.
  2. Hot Summers: Summers are warm to hot in the region, with average temperatures reaching comfortably above 30°C (86°F) during the peak months. However, the presence of Lake Trasimeno nearby helps to moderate extreme heat and prevents temperature spikes, which could otherwise be damaging to the grapevines.
  3. Balanced Precipitation: The region experiences a balanced distribution of precipitation throughout the year. Rainfall is more abundant during the spring and autumn months, providing crucial water resources during the growing season and promoting healthy vine growth. Summers tend to be drier, ensuring that the grapes can ripen with reduced risk of disease.
  4. Lake Effect: The proximity of Lake Trasimeno plays a vital role in shaping the climate of the region. The lake acts as a heat reservoir, absorbing warmth during the day and releasing it during the night, thus creating a milder microclimate around the vineyards. This effect extends the growing season, allowing grapes to ripen more slowly and develop complex flavors.
  5. Moderate Humidity: The presence of the lake also contributes to a moderate level of humidity in the Colli del Trasimeno region. While this can pose a slight risk of fungal diseases in the vineyards, the overall dryness during the summer helps to mitigate this issue.

The combination of a Mediterranean climate with the moderating influence of Lake Trasimeno creates favorable conditions for grape cultivation in the Colli del Trasimeno wine region. These conditions allow for the production of high-quality wines with balanced acidity, expressive aromas, and distinctive character, making it a delightful destination for wine enthusiasts seeking the best of Italian viticulture.

The soils in the Colli del Trasimeno wine region are diverse, contributing to the area's rich viticultural potential. The region's geology has been shaped by a combination of ancient volcanic activity, sediment deposits, and glacial processes, resulting in a wide range of soil types. These soils, in conjunction with the Mediterranean climate and the moderating effect of Lake Trasimeno, create unique terroirs that play a significant role in influencing the characteristics of the wines produced in the area.

Some of the primary soil types found in the Colli del Trasimeno wine region include:

  1. Clay and Silt: A significant portion of the vineyard areas in the Colli del Trasimeno feature clay and silt soils. These soils are rich in nutrients and moisture-retentive, providing a steady water supply to the vines during dry periods. The clay component also contributes to good fertility and helps retain vital elements that influence the vines' growth and the grapes' development.
  2. Sand and Gravel: Sandy and gravelly soils are found in some parts of the region, particularly in areas closer to the lake. These soils have excellent drainage properties, ensuring that excess water is efficiently drained away from the vines' root zone. They can help regulate vine growth and prevent issues associated with waterlogging.
  3. Tuff and Limestone: The Colli del Trasimeno region has remnants of ancient volcanic activity, which has led to the presence of tuff and limestone soils in certain areas. Tuff is a porous rock formed from volcanic ash and debris, and it provides good drainage and aeration for the vines. Limestone soils are known for their high calcium content, which can impart minerality to the wines.
  4. Marl: Marl soils, a mix of clay and limestone, can also be found in the region. These soils offer a balanced combination of drainage and moisture retention, promoting steady vine growth and grape maturation.
  5. Galestro: Galestro is a type of rocky soil that is found in some higher elevation vineyards. It is known for its mineral-rich composition and excellent drainage characteristics, which can contribute to the production of high-quality wines.

The diversity of soils in the Colli del Trasimeno wine region allows vintners to plant a wide variety of grape types, each expressing unique characteristics based on their specific terroir. Winemakers in the area carefully select grape varieties that best complement the soil and microclimate conditions, resulting in wines that showcase the distinct qualities of this enchanting Italian wine region.

rain

700 - 900 mm

altitude

200 - 400 m

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GRAPE VARIETALS
WINE STYLES

The Colli del Trasimeno wine region in Italy primarily focused on indigenous grape varietals. While the specific planting percentages may vary slightly over time.

Most Planted Red Grape Varieties:
  1. Sangiovese: The most widely planted grape variety in the region and is the backbone of many red wines produced here. It is a versatile grape that contributes to both medium-bodied and more robust wines, often displaying red fruit flavors, herbal notes, and a characteristic acidity.
  2. Merlot: Another popular red grape variety grown in the Colli del Trasimeno. It adds depth and softness to the red blends, offering flavors of black cherries, plums, and sometimes herbal undertones.
  3. Ciliegiolo: An indigenous grape variety that is traditionally used in blending with Sangiovese. It imparts fruity and aromatic qualities to the wines, often showcasing cherry and berry notes.
  4. Gamay: A red grape variety that thrives in the Colli del Trasimeno region. It contributes to fresh and light-bodied red wines, characterized by bright red fruit flavors and floral aromas.
  5. Others: Other notable red grape varietals with smaller plantings include: Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Grenache and Pinot Nero (Pinot Noir).
Most Planted White Grape Varieties:  
  1. Trebbiano: A white grape variety and one of the most common white grapes grown in the region. It is often used in the production of both still and sparkling wines, known for its crisp acidity and citrusy notes.
  2. Grechetto: An important white grape variety known for producing flavorful and aromatic wines. It adds depth and complexity to white wine blends, often displaying floral and herbal aromas along with ripe fruit characteristics.
  3. Malvasia: Malvasia is another white grape variety grown in Colli del Trasimeno. It can be used to produce both dry and sweet wines, showcasing floral notes, stone fruit flavors, and a touch of sweetness.
  4. Others: Other notable white grape varietals with smaller plantings include: Chardonnay, Pinot Bianco, Pinot Grigio, Sauvignon Blanc, Vermentino, Welschriesling.

It's worth noting that Colli del Trasimeno's winegrowers are increasingly focusing on preserving and reviving indigenous grape varieties, contributing to the unique identity and character of the region's wines. As with any wine region, the grape varietals and planting trends may continue to evolve over time as winemakers explore new techniques and respond to changing consumer preferences.

Colli del Trasimeno, a picturesque wine region in Italy, is renowned for producing a diverse range of high-quality wines. The region's winemaking tradition and unique terroir have given rise to several well-known wine styles that capture the essence of the local grape varieties and reflect the influence of the surrounding landscape. Some of the best-known wine styles from Colli del Trasimeno include:

  1. Colli del Trasimeno DOC Red Blends: The region's red blends are often the most celebrated wines, typically combining Sangiovese, Merlot, and Ciliegiolo. These wines showcase a harmonious balance of red fruit flavors, herbal nuances, and a refreshing acidity. The skillful blending of indigenous and international grape varieties results in wines with great complexity and character.
  2. Colli del Trasimeno DOC White Wines: White wines from the region are predominantly crafted from the Trebbiano and Grechetto grape varieties. These wines boast crisp acidity, citrus notes, and floral aromatics. They are known for their refreshing and lively character, making them ideal choices for warm summer days.
  3. Colli del Trasimeno DOC Sweet Wines: Colli del Trasimeno is also renowned for its sweet wines, often made from late-harvested grapes or those affected by noble rot (Botrytis cinerea). These wines, produced in limited quantities, offer luscious sweetness balanced by vibrant acidity and are perfect for pairing with desserts or enjoyed as a delightful aperitif.
  4. Colli del Trasimeno Rosato (Rosé): The region's rosé wines, made from red grape varieties like Sangiovese or Gamay, are cherished for their lively and fruity nature. These refreshing wines exhibit a lovely pale pink hue, with flavors of red berries and floral undertones.
  5. Colli del Trasimeno Sparkling Wines: Sparkling wines from Colli del Trasimeno are gaining popularity for their vivacious effervescence and delightful fruitiness. These sparkling offerings are crafted using the traditional method (Champenoise) or Charmat method, and they provide an excellent alternative to more well-known Italian sparkling wines.
  6. Colli del Trasimeno IGT (Indicazione Geografica Tipica) Wines: In addition to DOC wines, the region also produces wines under the broader IGT designation. These wines offer winemakers greater freedom to experiment with different grape varieties and winemaking techniques, resulting in unique and innovative wine styles.
  7. Colli del Trasimeno Vin Santo: A traditional and highly esteemed sweet wine, Vin Santo is made from late-harvested grapes that are dried on straw mats to concentrate their flavors. The resulting wine is rich, golden-hued, and exhibits nutty, honeyed, and dried fruit notes.

These wine styles collectively demonstrate the rich tapestry of winemaking excellence in Colli del Trasimeno, providing wine enthusiasts with a delightful journey through the region's diverse flavors and expressions.

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