Sipping Sunshine in Umbria
Nestled in the verdant hills of Umbria—Italy’s “green heart”—where rolling landscapes whisper ancient secrets and olive groves dance with vineyards, lies a gem that captures the essence of this underrated wine region: Cantine Goretti. Imagine sipping a robust Sagrantino as the sun dips below medieval towers, the air thick with the scent of wild herbs and sun-warmed earth. This is more than a winery; it’s a living tapestry woven from four generations of passion, terroir-driven wines, and immersive experiences that transport you to the soul of Italy.
Whether you’re a wine whiz or just here for the a great experience, grab a glass—let’s toast to Umbria’s magic. Cin cin!
The Heartwarming History of Goretti Winery
Umbria, often overshadowed by its Tuscan neighbor, boasts a viticultural heritage as profound as its spiritual legacy—from Assisi’s basilicas to Perugia’s Etruscan roots. At Goretti, founded in the early 1900s, this heritage blooms. The family-run estate spans two key appellations: the historic Colli Perugini DOC near Perugia and the prestigious Montefalco DOCG, famed for its indigenous Sagrantino grape. Here, tradition meets innovation, yielding award-winning bottles that echo the region’s clay-limestone soils and continental climate.
The Goretti story is one of enduring legacy, where the rhythm of the seasons has shaped not just vines, but lives. It begins in the early 1900s, amid Umbria’s post-unification fervor, when the Goretti patriarchs—visionary farmers from Perugia’s outskirts—planted their first grapes in the fertile Colli Perugini hills. This hilly enclave, just beyond Perugia’s medieval walls, provided ideal conditions: south-facing slopes bathed in morning sun, moderated by Lake Trasimeno’s breezes, and soils rich in clay and tuff that impart minerality to the wines. What started as modest production for local tables evolved into a family calling, passed down through four generations with unyielding pride.
By the mid-20th century, the second and third generations expanded the estate, restoring a crumbling 14th-century watchtower that now anchors the property in Pila, a hamlet overlooking Perugia. This “Goretti Tower”—once a sentinel against Saracen raids—symbolizes resilience. In a serendipitous 1980s discovery, workers unearthed an Etruscan bronze statue in one of the vineyards: “L’Arringatore,” the Orator, a Hellenistic-era figure now housed in Florence’s Uffizi Gallery (with a replica gracing the tower). This artifact, evoking ancient eloquence, inspired the winery’s flagship red, blending history with viniculture.
The fourth generation, led by figures like Sara Goretti, propelled the winery into the 21st century. In the early 2000s, sensing Montefalco’s potential—the “Ring of the Drunkard” for its encircling hills—they invested in a state-of-the-art facility there. This expansion diversified their portfolio, incorporating Sagrantino di Montefalco DOCG, Umbria’s “sacred wine” with roots tracing to 13th-century Franciscan monks. Today, two wineries operate in harmony: the historic Pila site for Colli Perugini classics and Montefalco for bold Sagrantinos under the “Le Mura Saracene” label, nodding to ancient defensive walls.
Family remains the heartbeat. Nonna Marcella, the matriarch, still wanders the barrel room, sharing tales and recipes that infuse tastings with warmth. Sara, a poised ambassador, champions exports, extending Umbria’s reach to Europe and beyond. Yet, Goretti’s evolution isn’t just vinous; it’s ethical. Embracing “Lutte Raisonnée” (reasoned struggle) viticulture since 2018, they minimize chemicals, adhering to Umbria’s integrated production regs. Two photovoltaic systems power over 80% of operations, electric vehicles zip through vineyards (a decade strong), and even suppliers are vetted for green creds. This stewardship ensures the land—once tilled by Etruscans—thrives for future Gorettis.
The Wines: A Symphony of Umbrian Terroir
Goretti’s wines are poetic expressions of Umbria’s duality: the gentle, aromatic whites of Colli Perugini and the structured, age-worthy reds of Montefalco. Drawing from 50 hectares of estate vines—split between clay-loam for elegance and limestone for grip—they champion indigenous grapes like Grechetto and Sagrantino, blended with internationals for versatility. All carry DOC/IGT/DOCG seals, reflecting rigorous quality. With annual production around 300,000 bottles, each vintage harmonizes tradition and tech: stainless steel for freshness, oak for depth, and minimal intervention for purity.
Whites: Bright and Expressive
Umbria’s whites shine with mountain-fresh acidity, perfect for aperitivi or seafood. The star is Il Moggio Grechetto Umbria IGT (100% Grechetto), from high-elevation plots yielding citrus-zesty wines. The 2018 vintage earned 92 points from Falstaff: “Rich, bright greenish yellow… aromas of ripe pear, pineapple, and acacia honey; palate of stone fruit, almond paste, and saline minerality.” It’s a top-10 Umbria IGT, versatile with grilled fish or goat cheese—pair with Nonna’s bruschette for bliss.
For creamier profiles, Pinot Grigio Colli Perugini DOC offers pear and green apple notes, crisp and floral, ideal for summer patios. Chardonnay Colli Perugini DOC, lightly oaked, unfolds with tropical fruit and vanilla, earning nods in Gambero Rosso for balance. Newer is Fontanella Bianco, a Trebbiano-Grechetto blend: straw-yellow, with herbal hints and a zingy finish, evoking Umbrian meadows. These whites (13-14% ABV) showcase Grechetto’s resilience—Umbria’s most planted white, tracing to Roman times.
Reds: Bold and Brooding
Goretti’s reds pulse with Umbria’s volcanic energy, led by L’Arringatore Colli Perugini DOC, their “Super Umbrian.” A Sangiovese-Merlot-Ciliegiolo cuvée, it’s named for the unearthed statue—deep ruby, with black cherry, balsamic herbs, and mocha from French oak aging. The 2023 scores 90+ from Wine Enthusiast: “Plump ripe cherries, black plums, nutmeg lift; juicy red currant palate.” Paired with wild boar ragù or aged Pecorino—its tannins soften beautifully over evenings.
Montefalco’s clay soils birth powerhouses like Sagrantino di Montefalco DOCG “Le Mura Saracene” (100% Sagrantino), Umbria’s tannic titan. The 2015 vintage hit 91 Wine Enthusiast points: “Underbrush, prune, pressed rose; dried cherry, raisin, licorice, tobacco in a full-bodied frame.” Potent (14.5% ABV), it demands decanting and pairs with game or dark chocolate; age 10+ years for silkier evolution. Complement with Montefalco Rosso DOC, a lighter Sangiovese-Sagrantino-Merlot blend: spicy plum and violet aromas, softer tannins for pasta nights
Rosés, Sparklers, and Sweets: For Every Mood
Fontanella Rosato (Ciliegiolo-based) blushes with strawberry and rosewater, dry and refreshing for picnics. Sparkling options include Brut Metodo Classico (Chardonnay-Pinot Noir), bubbly with apple and brioche. Sweet tooths adore Il Santo, a passito-style liqueur wine from Grechetto, honeyed and nutty, paired with almond tozzetti.
Awards abound:
Awards abound: Goretti’s lineup snagged spots in Gambero Rosso’s Tre Bicchieri 2026, with 18 Umbrian standouts including their Sagrantino. Il Moggio’s acclaim underscores Grechetto’s rise, while L’Arringatore embodies innovation—Umbria’s answer to Super Tuscans.
Unforgettable Experiences at Goretti
Visiting Goretti transcends tasting; it’s immersion in Umbria’s rhythms, hosted personally by the family in settings blending history and hospitality. Open Monday-Saturday mornings (9 AM-1 PM), weekends by request, the estate welcomes 10-70 guests, pets included, with accessible paths and EV charging.
Start with a **guided winery tour
weaving through Pila’s 14th-century tower—climb spiral stairs to panoramic views, replica statue gleaming below. Learn winemaking from grape to glass, peeking into the WWII-era cave-cellar, now a cool haven for barrels. In Montefalco, tech-forward tours highlight Sagrantino’s finesse.
Elevate to **themed tastings
in Sala Marcella (up to 70 seats) or the intimate tower room. The €37.50 “Wine Experience” flights five wines—Grechetto to Sagrantino—with Umbrian salumi, cheeses, and olive oil from their groves. Try L’Arringatore Tasting: bold red with salami-stuffed cake, evoking Nonna’s kitchen. Il Moggio pairs aged cheeses and their millefiori honey; **Grappa Selection** (20-year-aged spirits) ends sweetly with chocolates. All emphasize local synergy—bruschette from estate bread, DOP oil drizzled generously.
For deeper dives, book **cooking classes
(€50-60, 3-4 hours): Channel Nonna Marcella in hands-on sessions crafting tagliatelle or torta al testo, lunching amid vines. Reviews rave: “The cooking class was so much fun! Food amazing, staff friendly.” Adrenaline seekers opt for **private helicopter tours** (€150+), soaring over Perugia’s spires and Trasimeno’s shores, landing for exclusive tastings—Umbria from above, glass in hand.
Goretti Winery distills Umbria's magic:
Goretti Winery distills Umbria’s magic. A history etched in Etruscan bronze and family lore, wines that sing of sun-soaked hills, experiences that forge lasting bonds. In a world of fleeting trends, this estate endures—sustainable, soulful, inviting you to partake in its narrative. Whether chasing Sagrantino’s depth or Grechetto’s lightness, or simply basking in tower-top toasts, Goretti reminds us: great wine is about place, people, presence.
Plan your pilgrimage—book a tasting, pack for harvest hikes. Umbria awaits, glass raised. Salute!
