Torgiano, small hillside doc zone between Perugia and Assisi in the central Italian region of umbria. It was considered Umbria’s finest red wine in the 1960s and 1970s when the production of bottled wine was almost entirely in the hands of the Lungarotti family, who demonstrated that the sangiovese vine could yield excellent wine outside tuscany. Production rules have regrettably been changed to allow varietals based on international varieties with no history in the zone such as Torgiano Pinot Grigio and Torgiano Pinot Noir. Up to 50% Merlot and/or Cabernet Sauvignon are now allowed in Rosso di Torgiano, originally a Sangiovese-based wine. At least 70% Sangiovese is required in DOCG Torgiano Rosso Riserva, but overall the current spirit of Torgiano appears to be marketing-oriented.
