Cantina Margò Resistenza Rurale Umbria Bianco 2020

Cantina Margò is a small, artisanal winery in Sant'Enea, Umbria, founded by Carlo Tabarrini in 2008 as a passionate pursuit that transformed from a part-time dream into a life-defining mission. Carlo's journey began while working at the Perugina chocolate factory, where he tended rented vineyards by night, driven by childhood memories of his grandfather making wine for family consumption.

Starting with just 0.5 hectares of abandoned and neglected vineyards, Carlo has gradually expanded to 5.5 hectares, with 1 hectare estate-owned and 4.5 hectares rented. His philosophy centers on making wine "according to my own sensibility and taste," without seeking points, prizes, or recognition. In 2015, he left factory work permanently to focus entirely on viticulture.

The estate practices certified organic and biodynamic farming on unique Pliocene-Miocene age lakebeds rich in marl, limestone, clay, and chalk soils. These geological conditions, combined with 25-45 year-old vines, create wines with vibrant salty minerality characteristic of the Perugini hills. Carlo cultivates traditional Umbrian varieties including Trebbiano Spoletino, Grechetto, and Sangiovese.

His winemaking approach emphasizes minimal intervention, using traditional methods with modern equipment kept to a minimum. No pesticides, chemicals, or additives are used, and wines are made through natural fermentation with indigenous yeasts. Carlo works according to the astronomical calendar, employing biodynamic preparations made with manure and herbs.

Cantina Margò produces approximately 23,000 bottles annually, creating extraordinarily lively wines with expressive, engaging character. The wines showcase the purity and beauty of Umbria, representing authentic expressions of site and vintage through honest, terroir-driven winemaking that honors the land's natural potential.

Umbria, often called "the green heart of Italy," is a landlocked wine region in central Italy nestled between Tuscany, Marche, and Lazio. Despite being one of Italy's smallest wine regions, Umbria produces distinctive wines that reflect its unique geography, ancient winemaking traditions, and diverse microclimates shaped by rolling hills, medieval hilltop towns, and the Apennine Mountains.

The region's terroir is remarkably varied, featuring volcanic soils around Lake Trasimeno, limestone-rich clay in the Perugini hills, and ancient lakebeds with marl and chalk deposits. These geological formations, combined with a continental climate moderated by elevation, create ideal conditions for both indigenous and international grape varieties. Umbria's vineyards range from 200 to 600 meters above sea level, providing significant diurnal temperature variation that preserves acidity and enhances aromatic complexity.

Umbria's most prestigious appellation is Sagrantino di Montefalco DOCG, home to the powerful and age-worthy Sagrantino grape, which produces some of Italy's most tannic and long-lived red wines. The region also excels with Sangiovese-based wines, particularly those from Torgiano DOCG, where producers like Lungarotti have gained international recognition. Indigenous white varieties include Grechetto and the distinctive Trebbiano Spoletino, which thrives around the historic towns of Montefalco and Spoleto.

The region encompasses several important DOC zones including Orvieto, famous for its crisp white wines made from Grechetto, Trebbiano, and other local varieties. Montefalco DOC produces excellent reds from Sangiovese and Sagrantino blends, while Colli del Trasimeno showcases wines influenced by the moderating effects of Italy's fourth-largest lake.

Modern Umbrian winemaking balances respect for tradition with innovative techniques. Many producers embrace organic and biodynamic farming, reflecting a growing commitment to sustainability and terroir expression. The region has witnessed a renaissance of small, artisanal producers who focus on indigenous varieties and minimal-intervention winemaking, creating wines that authentically express Umbria's diverse terroirs.

From the ancient Etruscan wine caves carved into volcanic tuff to contemporary gravity-flow cellars, Umbria continues to evolve while maintaining its identity as a region where winemaking tradition, natural beauty, and gastronomic excellence converge. The wines offer exceptional food compatibility, perfectly complementing Umbria's renowned truffles, wild boar, and rustic cuisine that celebrates the region's agricultural heritage.