Grape Harvest at Il Torrione

The Italian word for the grape harvest is “vendemmia”. The vendemmia calendar in Umbria and South Tuscany is in late September, early October. In other parts of Italy this may be different, but early to mid fall is the period in Umbria and Tuscany.

In September we’ve had good weather in Umbria. Antonio, the wine maker and owner of Il Torrione, started with harvesting early October. The reason to start later was to get higher sugar levels and lower acidity in the grapes for a better wine production.

Il Torrione is an agriturismo with apartments, swimming pool, vineyards and olive groves. Il Torrione produces wine (Rosso di Montefalco wine, Sagrantino wine, Passito red/white IGT) and extra vergine olive oil.

At Il Torrione they all hand pick the grapes. This traditional old method is better for the wine quality than machine-harvesting.

A hail storm hit late August and unfortunately many grapes were destroyed, but it wasn’t a total loss, fortunately.

First they harvested the Trebbiano Spoletino. This grape is a typical grape from the area. This white wine has an orange color. How come?

Generally for a white wine it is not necessary to separate the stems from the grape, the fruit is pressed immediately. But this is not the case here. They leave the skin of the grapes in the must.

The fermentation and maceration of the wine is in stainless steel tanks for about 45 days. After 45 days, the skins will be removed from the juice and the aging in the tanks will be about 6 months. This is the reason why this white wine is “Orange” and not white. This wine is an IGT wine, which means that this particular wine comes from a specific wine producing area.
Il Torrione is a wonderful location among vineyards and olive groves. The three apartments with swimming pool are a small paradise. La Vigna apartments has wonderfuls views over the surrounding olive groves and grape vines. Just picture your self sipping a good glass of Sagrantino wine made by Il Torrione and looking over the green landscape.


You can book these apartments through Villa in Umbria. Antonio does not live on the property. Devis is the caretaker of La Vigna and Antonio’s right hand. He takes care of the agriturismo and its guests.
La Vigna is a lovely holiday location in the green heart of Italy, Umbria.