Ripe Grechetto di Todi grape clusters illuminated by sunlight among the vine leaves.
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Grechetto di Todi

Grechetto di Todi is one of Umbria’s oldest native grape varieties and represents one of the finest expressions of the winemaking tradition of the Todi area.The viticultural vocation of these hills has been documented since Roman times. In his Naturalis Historia, Pliny the Elder refers to a particular vine, writing “quidem Tuscis peculiaris est tudernis, meaning “among the Etruscans, the wine of Todi is unique.” This reference, often associated with Grechetto di Todi, attests to the reputation already enjoyed by the wines produced in ancient Tuder (modern-day Todi) during the Roman era, highlighting the deep-rooted connection between this land and vine cultivation.

Panoramic view of Todi surrounded by countryside, vineyards, and woodlands.

Todi and Its Hills

Rows of Grechetto di Todi vines with the skyline of Todi in the background.

The Vineyards of Todi

Ripe Grechetto di Todi grape clusters illuminated by sunlight among the vine leaves.

Grechetto di Todi grape clusters

A Rediscovered Genetic Identity

For many years, Grechetto di Todi was considered closely related to Grechetto di Orvieto and, more broadly, to the large family of so-called Greci (“Greek”) grape varieties, a group linked—at least by name—to a presumed Hellenic origin.

The name Grechetto, attributed to the wine of Todi probably during the Middle Ages, does not appear to refer to the grape’s geographical origin. Rather, it is thought to describe the organoleptic characteristics of the wines produced from these grapes, whose flavor and aroma resembled those of wines imported from the eastern Mediterranean.

Genetic research has since demonstrated that Grechetto di Todi is a distinct grape variety, clearly different from both Grechetto di Orvieto and the other members of the Greci family. In 2003, it was officially recognized as a unique variety, deeply rooted in the terroir of Todi.

 

Grechetto di Todi and the Todi DOC

Today, Grechetto di Todi is protected and promoted under the Todi DOC (Denominazione di Origine Controllata), established in 2010 and encompassing the municipalities of Todi, Collazzone, Massa Martana, and Monte Castello di Vibio.

According to the production regulations, Todi Grechetto (or Grechetto di Todi) must be made from at least 85% Grechetto grapes. The remaining percentage may consist only of other non-aromatic white grape varieties authorized for cultivation in Umbria.

The wine displays a straw-yellow color with golden highlights. On the nose, it is delicate with light vinous notes, while on the palate it ranges from dry to slightly off-dry, offering a velvety, full-bodied texture with a distinctive fruity character and a pleasantly lingering, slightly bitter finish.

Grechetto di Todi pairs beautifully with lightly structured pasta dishes, white meats, grilled fish, and soft cheeses.

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