As promised, I would like to take you on a journey through my recent trip to the mesmerizing region of Lake Trasimeno, where I had the pleasure of attending not just one, but two enchanting festivals: the Tulip Fest and the Rosé Festival. Here, I got the chance to learn more about the region’s flagship variety, Trasimeno Gamay. Today, I would like to share my experience and insights with you, discuss the region, the history of Gamay and why it is called Gamay despite being Grenache, and describe the tasted rosé wines from the Rosé Masterclass. But first, let’s talk about the region of Trasimeno and the importance of the Consortium.
Lake Trasimeno
The territory of Trasimeno, centered around the tranquil Lake Trasimeno, is a region where viticulture has roots tracing back to the Etruscans and Romans. The lake itself plays a pivotal role in wine production, creating a unique microclimate that benefits the vineyards. The hilly slopes surrounding the lake offer ideal conditions for vine cultivation, with the sunset’s angle providing gentle, extended sunlight that enhances the growing and ripening process of the grapes. This natural phenomenon, coupled with the fertile terroir, contributes to the distinctive quality of Trasimeno wines.
The Consortium
The Trasimeno Consortium, established in 1997 and rebranded in 2017, unites fifteen dedicated members working towards enhancing the region’s DOC wines. These vineyards are spread across municipalities like Castiglione del Lago, Magione, Paciano, and others, reflecting a deep-seated history of winemaking. The consortium focuses on traditional grape varieties such as Sangiovese, Trasimeno Gamay, and Grechetto, promoting sustainable and slow tourism practices.
Each winery within the consortium contributes to the region’s viticultural heritage. Covering approximately 270 hectares, these vineyards produced nearly 990,000 bottles certified by the consortium in recent years. The rigorous standards for bottling and labeling ensure that each bottle reflects the authenticity and quality of the Trasimeno region.
The Trasimeno Consortium’s efforts have not only enhanced wine production but also elevated the region as a destination that encapsulates a harmonious blend of history, culture, and nature, all embodied in every bottle of wine produced. Together with the Tulip Fest, the Rosé Festival takes place for that very reason.
The Tulip Fest
This year, I experienced the 54th edition of the Tulip Fest, an event deeply rooted in history. Originating from the Netherlands, this festival has become a beloved tradition in Trasimeno, drawing visitors from near and far to marvel at the breathtaking displays of tulips in every shade imaginable. Against the backdrop of the picturesque lake, it’s a sight that truly captures the essence of springtime in Umbria.
Rosé Festival
Coinciding with the Tulip Fest was the 5th annual Rosé Festival, a celebration dedicated to showcasing the rising prominence of Trasimeno rosé wines, particularly the esteemed Trasimeno Gamay. Hosted by the Consorzio Tutela Vini Trasimeno, the aim is to put Trasimeno DOC on the map and to raise the quality level of the wine tourism offer in the area as I have previously mentioned. Throughout the event, guests could sample selected wines at the Rosé Terrace overlooking the lake, near the medieval fortress, Rocca del Leone.
Trasimeno Gamay
Now, let’s delve into the heart of the matter: Trasimeno Gamay. Despite its name, Trasimeno Gamay is not actually related to the famous French grape variety of Beaujolais fame. Rather, it belongs to the Grenache family, also known as Garnacha in Spanish or Tai Rosso in Colli Berici. This grape variety has a rich history, dating back to its introduction in the 16th century during the Spanish domination of Central-Southern Italy.
Initially mistaken for the French Gamay due to its cultivation technique, Trasimeno Gamay has since become a symbol of the region’s viticultural heritage. Cultivated with the alberello technique, Trasimeno Gamay yields wines of exceptional quality, characterized by their savory elegance and intense fruity aromas. With its bright ruby red hue and tantalizing bouquet of red berries and cocoa, Trasimeno Gamay is the perfect choice for the area’s winemakers to produce high-quality rosé and red wines. At the same time, they are working on a solution to end the confusion between the Beaujolais grape and their beloved Gamay. Hopefully, soon they can label the wines with only Trasimeno appearing on the labels.
The Rosé Masterclass
During my visit, I had the privilege of attending an exclusive rosé masterclass organized by the Consorzio Tutela Vini Doc Colli Del Trasimeno. Nestled within the historic walls of Rocca del Leone, I embarked on a tasting journey of twelve exquisite rosé wines, including a sparkling Metodo Classico. Most of these wines were made from Trasimeno Gamay; however, Sangiovese and even Pinot Nero (aka Pinot Noir) play an important role in these wines too.
Here are the rosé wines that I loved the most from the lineup. These wine are either fall under the Trasimeno DOC appellation or the broader IGT Umbria designation:
ROSATO 2023 – Cantina Goccia (Pinot Nero, Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon)
A light salmon color with a silver hue and lovely big tears on the edge of the glass. Floral notes of orange blossom with peach, apricot, and slight white pepper notes. The palate is light with stone fruits, spices, and good freshness, filled with oranges in the aftertaste.
LE CUPE 2023 – Carini (Trasimeno Gamay)
A vibrant baby pink color and big tears on the glass. Nose of toffee and candy, strawberry and marzipan. The palate is soft and light with sweet strawberries, toffee, and candy again with balanced alcohol and acidity, a long fruity finish.
MARTAVELLO 2023 – Duca della Corgna (Trasimeno Gamay)
A light onion color and again beautiful big tears. Packed with floral notes on the nose, roses, apple flower, then the apple fruit appears too with pear, plums, and sweet raspberry. The palate is salty with lots of oranges, slightly bitter and a long aftertaste. A very fresh wine.
ES…SENZA 2022 – Il Poggio (Sangiovese, Pinot Nero)
A darker, deeper pink color. The nose has dark fruits and balsamic notes with some woody character. Aromas of plums, cherry, and caramel on the palate. A very juicy wine that is slightly tannic with more spices than plums in the finish. A very well-balanced, fresh wine.
ROSÈ DI BOLDRINO 2023 – La Querciolana (Trasimeno Gamay)
A dark peach color with lower viscosity. The nose is intense with pomegranate, marshmallow, peach, raspberry, cherry blossom, some Mediterranean herbs, and a touch of white pepper. The palate is spicy with high acidity and alcohol, a long salty finish.
CILIEGIO 2023 – Montemelino (Ciliegiolo)
A very light baby pink color in the glass. Intensely fruity wine with cherry, strawberry, raspberry with some lavender and rosemary, and a touch of mint. The palate is very light with raspberry and a salty minerality. A well-balanced wine with a slight tannin sensation, a touch of oiliness on the tongue, and some rosehip in the long finish.
SB83 2023 – Poggio Santa Maria (Sangiovese)
It has a deep pink color and good viscosity. A very floral nose of chamomile, roses, iris, and lavender. Fruits follow with strawberry, plums, blood orange, and spices of white pepper and mint. The palate is fresh, filled with fruity flavors and medium tannins, with a long refreshing, slightly bitter aftertaste.
ROSÈ 2021 – Pucciarella (Trasimeno DOC Spumante Metodo Classico – Pinot Nero)
A pale pink color with fine and small bubbles. The nose is elegant with roses, elderflower, strawberry marmalade, and some brioche. The palate has very fine perlage with a creamy texture. Very well-balanced sparkling wine where the flavors are harmonious with the aromas of the nose. It has a very long persistent finish, probably my favorite of the whole lineup!
Conclusion
My trip to Lake Trasimeno was a journey of discovery and delight, where I got to explore the different rosé-making styles from Trasimeno Gamay, Sangiovese, Pinot Noir, and Ciliegiolo. Together with the Tulip Fest and the Rosé Festival, every moment was a celebration of the beautiful view next to Lake Trasimeno with its rich history. I highly recommend visiting this hidden gem in Umbria, just on the border of Tuscany, especially this time of the year. Experience the tulips, the rosé, and of course, the vibrant old town of Castiglione del Lago.
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