The Colli del Trasimeno DOC covers the hills surrounding Lake Trasimeno, in the province of Perugia, in Umbria. The area includes parts of the municipalities of Castiglione del Lago, Città della Pieve, Paciano, Piegaro, Panicale, Perugia, Corciano, Magione, Passignano sul Trasimeno and Tuoro sul Trasimeno. It was recognised in 1972, and its rules include a wide range of styles.
Gamay del Trasimeno
A curious grape of the area is the one called here Gamay, or Gamay del Trasimeno: it has nothing to do with the Gamay of Beaujolais, but is a Grenache, the same family as Sardinian Cannonau. The rules provide for it on its own in the Gamay, with at least 85% of the grape, and as a component of the reds and rosés. It gives wines of moderate colour, with aromas of ripe red fruit and spice and soft tannin.
The styles
The Rosso and the Rosato share the same base: at least 40% Sangiovese and at least 30% Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Ciliegiolo, Gamay and Merlot. The Rosso Scelto reverses the proportions, with at least 70% Cabernet Sauvignon, Gamay, Merlot and Pinot Nero and at least 15% Sangiovese. There are also the varietals Cabernet Sauvignon, Gamay and Merlot, the Novello and the Riserva, which ages for at least 24 months, 4 of them in cask. The Bianco requires at least 40% Trebbiano Toscano and at least 30% Chardonnay, Grechetto, Pinot Bianco and Pinot Grigio; the Bianco Scelto is made from varieties such as Chardonnay, Grechetto, Sauvignon and Vermentino, and there is a varietal Grechetto.
Two Metodo Classico sparkling wines, white and rosé, and the Vin Santo, which ages for at least 18 months in cask, complete the range. The appellation's minimum alcohol is 10.5%.
At the table
The whites go with lake fish such as perch and tench, and with torta al testo; the Gamay and the young reds with cured meats and white meats; the Rosso Scelto and the Riserva with game and roasts; the Vin Santo with dry biscuits. East of the lake, on the hills facing Monte Subasio, lies the Assisi DOC; further south, Montefalco.
