Tre Bicchieri 2026, the 18 best wines of Umbria awarded by Gambero Rosso

Sep 29 2025, 13:12 | by Gambero Rosso

The highest recognition, as we always say, is only the tip of the iceberg of a region where you can drink wonderfully and spend very reasonably, which in these times is certainly no bad thing. Here are the Umbrian wines standing on the top step of our podium

For several years now we have been saying that in the small region there is good wine, but paraphrasing the saying is no longer enough. Umbria, this year more than ever, offers us a snapshot of the very highest level, and the record number of Tre Bicchieri – as many as 18 – is there to prove it.

The wines of Umbria, between reds and whites in the main denominations

In the Guida Vini d’Italia 2026 by Gambero Rosso no fewer than 78 Umbrian wineries are reviewed, producing wines across almost the whole regional territory, characterised by a multitude of soils and traditional varieties that are incredible in number, especially when compared with the region’s size. As has often been pointed out, Montefalco can be considered the locomotive of the region, and not only because it is led by a great grape variety such as Sagrantino.
Alongside this well-known red variety (which this year accounts for six award-winning labels) are Sangiovese (the main protagonist of Montefalco Rosso) and two white varieties: Grechetto (from which the Montefalco Grechetto denomination comes) and Trebbiano Spoletino, which we find in the Spoleto DOC or Montefalco Bianco.

A new life for Orvieto

Let us stay on the white wine front to talk about another great Umbrian denomination that is beginning to experience a season of great prosperity. And this is no coincidence, given that more and more producers are offering Orvieto wines of great class, capable of delivering complexity and elegance, but above all great ageing potential. The proof comes from three of the award-winning wines, which are from the 2022 and 2023 vintages, yet still seem remarkably youthful.
The whites, however, also bring satisfaction in the hills just outside Perugia and in the Todi area: from these zones come three award-winning wines – FiorFiore by Roccafiore (already awarded in the past), Il Trebbio by Goretti, and Campo delle Api by Monte Vibiano, two absolute newcomers.

Returning to the reds, we should mention the small Torgiano DOC, which always manages to give us satisfaction with Sangiovese, even though the Torgiano Bianco is carving out its own space, while on Lake Trasimeno Gamay (in name only, since in reality it is Grenache) proves to be a delightful wine: elegant, Mediterranean, and an everyday choice. Speaking of everyday wines, we cannot conclude without mentioning Ciliegiolo. That of Narni is a true delight, and Leonardo Bussoletti is the interpreter we appreciate the most.