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What is Todi DOC?
Todi DOC is an Italian wine appellation in Umbria, established in 2010, producing white, red, and passito wines centered around the medieval hill town of Todi in the province of Perugia. Its most distinctive wine is Grechetto di Todi, a textured, savory dry white with citrus, herbs, and almond character.
Small in scale but rich in personality, Todi DOC belongs to the broader world of wines of Umbria, a region known for hilltop towns, olive groves, earthy reds, and increasingly compelling white wines. While better-known Umbrian names like Orvieto and Montefalco often dominate the conversation, Todi wine offers something quieter and more intimate: a taste of central Italy that feels both rustic and refined.
The denomination includes Todi Bianco, Todi Grechetto, Todi Grechetto Superiore, Todi Grechetto Passito, Todi Rosso, Todi Rosso Superiore, Todi Sangiovese, Todi Sangiovese Superiore, Todi Merlot, and Todi Merlot Superiore.
History and Origins of Todi DOC
Todi is ancient even by Italian standards. Its Etruscan, Roman, and medieval layers still shape the mood of the town, whose stone piazzas and panoramic terraces seem built for long lunches and late-afternoon glasses of wine.
The modern DOC, however, is relatively young. Todi DOC was approved in 2010, giving legal identity to wines that local producers had already been refining around Grechetto, Sangiovese, and Merlot.
At the heart of the appellation is the Grechetto grape, one of central Italy’s most important white varieties. Despite the name’s suggestion of Greek origins, the story is more complex. Official production notes connect Umbrian Grechetto not directly to Greek varieties, but to central Italian genetic relationships involving grapes such as Pignoletto and Ribolla Riminese.
For Drink Italian readers, Todi DOC is the kind of appellation that makes an Italian wine guide feel alive: not only a set of rules and grapes, but a portal into place, memory, food, and local culture.
Where Todi DOC Wine Is Made: Geography & Terroir
Todi DOC is produced in the Perugia wine region of central-southern Umbria. The official production area includes the full administrative territories of Todi, Massa Martana, Monte Castello Vibio, and Collazzone.
This is classic Umbrian hill country. Vineyards are generally planted on hilly terrain, with altitudes commonly described between roughly 250 and 600 meters above sea level. The soils are often medium-textured, with clay and limestone components that support both water retention and freshness in the finished wines.
The landscape matters. Todi’s hills provide sun exposure, ventilation, and day-night temperature shifts that help grapes ripen while preserving aromatic definition. In the glass, that often means Umbrian white wine with body and savory grip, and red wines that balance ripe fruit with food-friendly freshness.
Grechetto di Todi: The Signature Grape of the Appellation
The signature wine of the DOC is Grechetto di Todi, also labeled Todi Grechetto. Under DOC rules, Todi Grechetto must be made from at least 85% Grechetto, while Todi Bianco must include at least 50% Grechetto.
Grechetto is not a featherweight white grape. It tends to produce wines with structure, gentle phenolic grip, orchard fruit, citrus, herbs, and a distinctive almond-like finish. This makes it especially versatile at the table and gives Todi DOC its strongest identity.
For red wines, Todi Rosso must contain at least 50% Sangiovese, while varietal Todi Sangiovese and Todi Merlot each require at least 85% of the named grape.
The result is a DOC with two voices: a local white-wine tradition built around Grechetto, and a red-wine side shaped by central Italy’s beloved Sangiovese and the softer, rounder profile of Merlot.
Winemaking & Todi DOC Regulations
Todi DOC is an Italian DOC wine appellation, meaning its wines must follow specific production rules governing grape varieties, wine styles, geographic origin, yields, alcohol levels, and aging requirements.
The denomination allows several styles: Bianco, Rosso, Rosso Superiore, Grechetto, Grechetto Superiore, Grechetto Passito, Sangiovese, Sangiovese Superiore, Merlot, and Merlot Superiore.
| Style | Required Grapes |
| Todi Bianco | Minimum 50% Grechetto |
| Todi Grechetto / Grechetto di Todi | Minimum 85% Grechetto |
| Todi Grechetto Passito | Minimum 85% Grechetto |
| Todi Rosso | Minimum 50% Sangiovese |
| Todi Sangiovese / Sangiovese di Todi | Minimum 85% Sangiovese |
| Todi Merlot / Merlot di Todi | Minimum 85% Merlot |
Italian Wine Central lists minimum alcohol levels of 11.5% for Todi Bianco; 12% for Grechetto, Rosso, and red varietal wines; 12% actual alcohol for Passito with 16% potential alcohol; and 12.5% for superiore wines. It also notes minimum aging requirements for superiore and passito styles.
Todi DOC at a Glance: Key Facts and Figures
| Category | Todi DOC |
| Region | Umbria |
| Province | Perugia |
| DOC established | 2010 |
| Main town | Todi |
| Key communes | Todi, Massa Martana, Monte Castello Vibio, Collazzone |
| Main white grape | Grechetto |
| Main red grapes | Sangiovese, Merlot |
| Main styles | Bianco, Grechetto, Grechetto Superiore, Grechetto Passito, Rosso, Sangiovese, Merlot |
| Vineyard area | 121 ha / 299 acres, per Italian Wine Central’s 2021 figure |
| Production | 2,580 hl / approximately 28,700 cases, listed as a five-year average by Italian Wine Central |
Todi DOC Tasting Notes: Grechetto, Sangiovese, Merlot, and Passito
Todi Grechetto / Grechetto di Todi
Todi Grechetto is usually the wine to start with. Expect a dry, savory Umbrian white wine with yellow apple, pear, lemon peel, wild herbs, chamomile, and a characteristic almond note on the finish. Compared with lighter Italian whites, Grechetto di Todi often has more body, texture, and quiet persistence.
Some superiore bottlings show more depth, especially when producers use lees aging or restrained oak. These wines may move toward ripe peach, melon, honeyed citrus, dried herbs, and a broader mouthfeel.
Todi Bianco
Todi Bianco, with at least 50% Grechetto, is generally the more flexible and approachable white style. It can be fresher, lighter, and more immediately charming, with citrus, white flowers, orchard fruit, and a clean finish.
Todi Rosso and Sangiovese di Todi
The Sangiovese-based wines show red cherry, plum, violet, dried herbs, and a gentle earthy quality. They are typically medium-bodied and food-friendly rather than heavy. Superiore versions may show deeper fruit, firmer tannins, and notes of spice, leather, or tobacco depending on aging.
Todi Merlot
Merlot di Todi brings a softer, rounder profile: black cherry, plum, cocoa, sweet spice, and smoother tannins. It is the most internationally familiar of the DOC’s red styles, but in Todi it still carries the freshness of Umbrian hillsides.
Todi Grechetto Passito
Todi Grechetto Passito is a sweet wine made from dried Grechetto grapes. For readers exploring passito wine Italy beyond Vin Santo and Recioto, this is a fascinating under-the-radar style. Expect apricot, honey, candied citrus, dried fig, almond, and sweet spice, balanced by enough freshness to avoid heaviness.
Food Pairing for Todi DOC and Grechetto di Todi
Serve Todi Grechetto lightly chilled, around 46–50°F. Its savory texture and almondy finish make it a natural match for antipasti, lake fish, grilled vegetables, roast chicken, herb frittata, pasta with zucchini and pecorino, and bruschetta with Umbrian olive oil.
Todi Rosso and Sangiovese di Todi work well around 58–62°F. Pair them with porchetta, tagliatelle al ragù, lentils from Castelluccio, grilled sausages, roast pork, and mushroom dishes.
Todi Merlot can handle richer fare: braised beef, lamb, aged cheeses, or pasta with sausage and tomato.
Todi Grechetto Passito belongs with almond biscotti, aged pecorino with honey, crostata, or blue cheese. It is also a lovely contemplative wine after dinner.
Where to Buy Todi DOC Wine and What to Pay
Todi DOC is still relatively under-the-radar outside Italy, so availability can be limited compared with better-known Umbrian wines such as Orvieto, Montefalco Rosso, or Montefalco Sagrantino. Online wine-search platforms, Italian specialty retailers, and Umbrian-focused importers are often the best places to look.
One producer to know is Cantina Tudernum, a cooperative based in Todi. Serendipity Wines describes Cantina Tudernum as having been established in 1958 by 57 vineyard owners, while the winery’s own site highlights Grechetto di Todi as one of the important expressions of Umbrian wine culture.
In Europe, recent retail examples show some Grechetto di Todi bottles around the low-to-mid teens in euros, though prices vary by vintage, producer, market, and shipping. One current Italian retail listing shows Cantina Tudernum Grechetto di Todi at €11.90.
For shoppers, useful search terms include Todi DOC, Grechetto di Todi, Todi Grechetto DOC, Sangiovese di Todi, Merlot di Todi, and Cantina Tudernum Grechetto di Todi.
FAQ on Todi DOC
What is Todi DOC?
Todi DOC is an Italian wine appellation in Umbria, centered around the hill town of Todi in the province of Perugia. It produces white, red, and passito wines, with Grechetto di Todi as its most distinctive style.
Is Todi DOC a white wine or red wine?
Todi DOC can be white, red, or sweet. The appellation includes Grechetto-based white wines, Sangiovese- and Merlot-based red wines, and a Grechetto Passito made from dried grapes.
What is Grechetto di Todi?
Grechetto di Todi is a dry white wine from Todi DOC made from at least 85% Grechetto. It is typically textured and savory, with citrus, orchard fruit, herbs, and almond notes.
What does Grechetto taste like?
Grechetto often tastes of pear, yellow apple, lemon peel, herbs, chamomile, and almond. It is usually fuller and more textured than many light Italian white wines, with a savory finish that makes it excellent with food.
Is Todi DOC the same as Orvieto?
No. Todi DOC and Orvieto are separate Umbrian wine appellations. Both may involve Grechetto, but Todi DOC is centered around Todi, while Orvieto is a larger and more widely known white-wine denomination.
What food pairs best with Todi Grechetto?
Todi Grechetto pairs well with grilled vegetables, freshwater fish, roast chicken, antipasti, pecorino, herb-based pasta, and olive-oil-driven Umbrian dishes. Its almondy finish also works beautifully with simple cheeses and rustic breads.
Is Todi DOC expensive?
Todi DOC is usually good value, though availability can be limited outside Italy. Grechetto di Todi often appears in an accessible premium range, with some Italian retail examples around the low-to-mid teens in euros.
Is Todi worth visiting for wine tourism?
Yes. Todi is an atmospheric Umbrian hill town with medieval architecture, countryside views, and nearby wineries. It is ideal for travelers who want a quieter wine experience than Tuscany or better-known Umbrian destinations.
What makes Todi DOC special?
Todi DOC is special because of Grechetto di Todi: a textured, savory, quietly complex white wine from one of Umbria’s most beautiful hill towns. The appellation’s small scale gives it a strong sense of discovery.
Fun Facts & Cultural Notes
- Todi is often described as one of Umbria’s most graceful hill towns, less internationally famous than Assisi or Orvieto but deeply atmospheric. Its wine culture feels similarly understated: not loud, not showy, but rooted in place.
- The name Grechetto may sound Greek, but the grape’s background is more layered. Official production notes suggest the name may evoke historical Mediterranean associations, while genetic research connects Umbrian Grechetto to central Italian varieties rather than directly to Greece.
- There is also an interesting overlap in local wine geography: Italian Wine Central notes that Colli Martani DOC, which encompasses the Todi DOC area, also has a Todi subzone specifically for Grechetto.
- Todi DOC is exactly the kind of appellation that rewards curiosity. Open a bottle of Grechetto di Todi with a simple plate of pecorino, grilled bread, and olive oil, and the whole Umbrian landscape starts to make sense.
CTA for Audience Engagement
Curious to explore more of Umbria’s wine culture? Browse our Umbria wine guides, discover other under-the-radar Italian appellations, or tell us which Italian DOC you would like Drink Italian to cover next.
Have fun to learn more about Italian Wines and Spirits! Explore also the non-alcoholic beverages
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If you are in the mood for a good book, you can try:
– The Modern History of Italian Wine by Walter Filipputti
– Hidden Gems of Italy: An Insider’s Secret Formula To Find Top-Class Italian Wines At Value Prices And Taste La Dolce Vita by Tony Margiotta
Additionally, you can discover the other wines from Umbria.
