MONTEFALCO (PERUGIA) – The Consorzio Tutela Vini Montefalco announces the entry into force of the amendments to the production regulations for Spoleto DOC. This process began in 2021 and was formally concluded only a few months ago with publication in the Italian Official Gazette, after going through all the institutional steps: Board of Directors, General Meeting of Members, the Umbria Region and final approval by the European Union.
Among the main changes, which are already in effect, the “Bianco” category and the “Trebbiano Spoletino Superiore” designation have been removed, and “Trebbiano Spoletino Riserva” has been introduced. This must be made from a minimum of 85% Trebbiano Spoletino and a maximum of 15% other white grape varieties suitable for cultivation in Umbria; production is set at a maximum of 11 tonnes per hectare. The previous limitation relating to vineyard altitude, which allowed production only up to 400 metres above sea level, has also been removed. Finally, for the Trebbiano Spoletino and Trebbiano Spoletino Riserva types, the possibility has been introduced to carry out skin maceration, in order to enhance the wine’s ageing potential and obtain more intense aromas and flavours. As a consequence, the colour description has been updated from straw yellow to deep golden yellow, in line with the deeper hues that skin contact can impart to the wine.
Among the updates to the regulations, a standout change is the possibility of including the territorial indication “Umbria” on the label. This choice strengthens the identity-based link with the region of origin and reiterates the producers’ intention to present themselves on national and international markets as ambassadors of a territory that is unique in terms of history, vocation and the quality of its wines.
In addition, the Board of Directors and the General Meeting of Members of the Consorzio Tutela Vini Montefalco are continuing to enhance the protected appellations by initiating the procedure for a further amendment to the Spoleto DOC production regulations: the enlargement of the production area. The extension of the Spoleto DOC appellation has in fact already been approved, to include areas already recognised as suitable for the production of Montefalco DOC and Montefalco Sagrantino DOCG. With this significant step, the Consorzio aims to allow the production of Spoleto DOC also in parts of the municipalities of Bevagna, Gualdo Cattaneo and Giano dell’Umbria, which were previously excluded, thereby strengthening the link between appellations and offering new prospects for producers.
The expansion of the production area paves the way for the concrete realisation of an important opportunity for wineries already operating within the Montefalco Sagrantino DOCG and Montefalco DOC area. They will thus be able to showcase the many expressions of Trebbiano Spoletino, a grape variety currently experiencing strong growth both in terms of quality and in terms of appreciation on the markets.“We are very pleased with the cohesion shown by all the members of the Consorzio,” says Paolo Bartoloni, President of the Consorzio Tutela Vini di Montefalco, “which has enabled us to quickly implement such important changes and to continue working decisively on the next steps. At this time of year, marked by moments of gathering and conviviality, the wines protected by the Consorzio Tutela Vini Montefalco naturally find their place on dining tables, in dialogue with dishes and traditions that express the deep bond between these hills and their viticulture. For this period, it is estimated that almost one million bottles from the wineries in the area protected by the Consorzio will be consumed.”
