he Torgiano production zone includes a small number of hills that dominate the confluence of the river Chiascio with the Tiber to the southeast of Perugia. Torgiano was the first Umbrian wine to receive its Denominazione di Origine Controllata--in 1968--a historic moment for the region's vitiviniculture. The composition of the soil, the favorable climate and the perfect exposure to the sun's rays make the terrains around Torgiano highly suited to the cultivation of the vine. Today, those gifts of nature are seconded by the application of the most modern techniques and an ongoing commitment to experimentation.
The wine's name is derived from that of the small community of Torgiano, which is the epicenter of the wine's output. It is a contraction of "Torre di Giano." The tower (torre), remaining from a medieval castle, still stands and dominates the skyline of the town, which is splendidly preserved. According to one legend, Giano was none other than Noah, who landed in Italy and stayed for a time, precisely on the left bank of the Tiber, after the Flood.
The cultivation of vines in the district goes back at least to the Etruscan era. And for that reason the coat of arms of the community features a cluster of grapes next to a tower. Knowledge of the wines of Torgiano has been promoted by the creation of the Wine Museum, which opened its doors to the public in 1974. It displays extremely interesting archaeological objects, including ancient vinicultural implements and collections of medieval, Renaissance and baroque majolica illustrating wine's use as a food and a medicine and its role in myth.
This page was written by Stefano Milioni. Background image and most photos in this section courtesy of Giuliano Bugialli, all right reserved (see Copyright and Credits).
he Torgiano production zone includes a small number of hills that dominate the confluence of the river Chiascio with the Tiber to the southeast of Perugia. Torgiano was the first Umbrian wine to receive its Denominazione di Origine Controllata--in 1968--a historic moment for the region's vitiviniculture. The composition of the soil, the favorable climate and the perfect exposure to the sun's rays make the terrains around Torgiano highly suited to the cultivation of the vine. Today, those gifts of nature are seconded by the application of the most modern techniques and an ongoing commitment to experimentation.