The Castello di Montegiove has a long wine-producing history, is probably among the oldest vineries in Umbria and has over the past decades perfected its passion for wine making. Guided by a philosophy that combines both a modern and a traditional approach, a small and expert team of workers strives to ensure maximum quality, and meticulous attention is paid to every detail both in the vineyards and cellar. This love for the land and its products, has contributed to the creation of wines of outstanding excellence. Wine has been produced here for centuries, presumably since Etruscan times. The first written reference to the existence of vineyards in Montegiove dates back to 1292. The estate’s oldest vineyard still in production nowadays dates back to 1968. Originally, the vineyards were planted on sites based solely on generations of experience and common sense. Over the centuries, this common sense knowledge of soils and microclimates has been shown to be just as in-depth as the research carried out today. More than 700 years later, the vineyards of Montegiove are still producing grapes of exceptional quality. The estate’s production vineyards are planted exclusively with red grape varietals; predominantly Sangiovese, Montepulciano and Sagrantino, but also Canaiolo, Barbera, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. The vineyards are situated in the DOC area of Orvieto, commonly known for white wine due to its rich volcanic soil. The classification is merely due to an administrative and historical location, as Montegiove is geologically situated on the “Tuscan nappe”, which is much richer in clay and limestone. In fact, the soils are relatively similar to those that can be found in the neighbouring province of Siena, in Southern Tuscany, and extremely suitable for the creation of red wines of superb structure and complexity. Soil types vary immensely on the estate with altitudes that range from 380 to 620 metres. The vineyards dotting this enchanting landscape have been planted with the grape varietals most suited to the unique soils and microclimates found at each precise site. This ensures the best possible grape quality right from the start. Nature comes first, and afterwards it’s up to the dedicated team of vineyard workers to prune them to perfection, maintain desired yields, and guarantee the highest quality grapes every year.