Marco Anasetti and Bonnie Anasetti Podcast

Marco Anasetti and Bonnie Anasetti Podcast: Umbrian Wines: Italy’s Quiet Powerhouse

Ciao and welcome to the show. I’m Marco Anasetti, and today we’re diving into a topic close to both my palate and my heritage — the wines of Umbria. I’ve always been interested in wine — not just what’s in the glass, but the story behind it. And for me, that story is personal. My relatives are from Umbria — a region that’s long lived in the shadow of Tuscany but quietly produces some of the most soulful, age-worthy, and honest wines in all of Italy. Today’s episode is called “Umbrian Wines: Italy’s Quiet Powerhouse.” In the next 45 minutes, we’re going to talk about the grapes, the land, the people, and the bottles that make this small, landlocked region one of Italy’s best-kept secrets. We’ll explore why Sagrantino might just be your next cellar-worthy red, how Orvieto whites evolved from medieval prestige to modern value, and which producers — some as small as family farms — are leading the charge. They call it Il Cuore Verde d’Italia — the Green Heart of Italy — and it’s easy to see why. This is a land of forests, olive groves, medieval hill towns, and centuries-old monasteries. And tucked into those hills? Some of Italy’s most fascinating vineyards. Winemaking in Umbria dates back to the Etruscans, long before the Romans made it fashionable. But the region’s modern wine story really picks up steam in the 1970s and ’80s, when producers began reviving indigenous grapes and rethinking quality. One of the families helping drive that renaissance? The Anasetti family — yes, my own. Just kidding, but we are drinking the wines and supporting the growers not making them. Some still live south of Montefalco today, and I remember walking those rows of vines as a kid, even before I had a taste for what they were growing. So, what are we actually drinking in Umbria? Let’s start with the grape that defines the region: Sagrantino Sagrantino is Umbria’s calling card. It’s dark, dense, massively tannic, and uniquely local — grown almost exclusively around the town of Montefalco. This grape produces wines that are built for aging — we’re talking 10, 20, even 30 years in the cellar. It has flavors of blackberry, leather, baking spice, and sometimes this earthy, iron-like minerality. But it’s not for the faint of heart — this is a bold, structured red. There’s a DOCG, Montefalco Sagrantino, and it comes in both dry and a rare, sweet passito style. Montefalco Rosso For a more approachable introduction, there’s Montefalco Rosso — a DOC blend usually based on Sangiovese, with smaller amounts of Sagrantino and sometimes Merlot or Cabernet. Think cherry, soft tannins, and everyday drinkability — the kind of wine you open on a Wednesday night and smile all the way through dinner. Grechetto Now for the whites — starting with Grechetto. This is Umbria’s most planted white grape and the base for many Orvieto DOC wines. Grechetto is fresh but never boring — you’ll get citrus, almond, herbs, and often a slightly waxy texture that gives it weight. Many producers are making varietal Grechettos now, sometimes with lees aging or barrel work, adding complexity to what was once considered a simple table wine. Trebbiano Spoletino This is the white wine geek’s grape. Trebbiano Spoletino is not your average Trebbiano — it has high acidity, great aromatic range, and ages surprisingly well. It’s becoming a darling of natural winemakers and sommeliers alike. I’ll always have a place in my cellar — and in my heart — for the wines of Umbria. Maybe that’s the Anasetti in me talking, but I think there’s something truly special here. If you enjoyed today’s deep dive, please follow and leave a review. And if you’ve got a favorite Umbrian wine or story, DM me on Instagram — I’d love to hear from you. Grazie mille — and until then, keep tasting, keep exploring. Find out more on social media - https://www.facebook.com/anasetti/ [https://www.facebook.com/anasetti/] https://www.instagram.com/captmarcopolo/ [https://www.instagram.com/captmarcopolo/] https://x.com/marcoanasetti [https://x.com/marcoanasetti] https://www.youtube.com/@MarcoAnasetti [https://www.youtube.com/@MarcoAnasetti]