The Monti Martani are the ridge that runs through central Umbria, between the Tiber valley and the Umbrian valley. On the hills around them lies the Colli Martani DOC, recognised in 1988. The area includes the whole of the municipalities of Gualdo Cattaneo and Giano dell'Umbria and parts of Todi, Massa Martana, Monte Castello Vibio, Montefalco, Castel Ritaldi, Spoleto, Bevagna, Cannara, Bettona, Deruta and Collazzone, in the province of Perugia. The vineyards lie between 150 and 600 metres above sea level and cover about 69 hectares, with an output of 4,320 hectolitres.
An appellation of grape varieties
Colli Martani is above all a varietal DOC. The whites include Grechetto, Trebbiano, Chardonnay, Riesling and Sauvignon, each with at least 85% of the named grape; the Bianco requires at least 50% Trebbiano Toscano. The reds include Sangiovese, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon, again with at least 85%, and the Rosso, with at least 50% Sangiovese. A Spumante from Chardonnay, Grechetto and Pinot Nero completes the range. Minimum alcohol is 11%.
The red varietals age for at least one year; the Riserva for at least two years, one of them in cask.
Two subzones
The regulations provide for two subzones, each tied to a single municipality and a single wine. Todi is reserved for Grechetto, Umbria's quintessential white, savoury and with notes of almond. Cannara is reserved for Vernaccia, a sweet wine from Vernaccia Nera grapes, red and fragrant.
At the table
Grechetto goes with torta al testo flatbread, pulses, lake fish and truffle dishes; Sangiovese and Rosso suit Umbrian cured meats, pigeon, porchetta and grilled meats. Vernaccia di Cannara is a wine for dry pastries and the end of a meal. From the same hills, heading east, you reach Montefalco, the home of Sagrantino.
