CASTELLO DI MONTEGIOVE IN MONTEGABBIONE

With its heart-stopping setting, Castello di Montegiove is nestled among the lush green hills of Umbria, at the heart of a 1200-hectare estate, between Orvieto and Perugia. The Castle was built around 1280 by the Bulgarelli family, the Counts of Marsciano, and is one of the oldest castles in the region. Since 1780, the property has belonged to the Misciattelli family, who unified the ancient fiefdom and the castle’s estate, adapting it for agricultural purposes. Today, it is a thriving agricultural enterprise, with a winery and exclusive agritourism accommodation.

Thanks to a challenging yet impassioned restoration project carried out by the owners, this bucolic and idyllic scene has been carefully preserved over time, from generation to generation. The 1200 hectares of jaw-dropping Umbrian countryside encompasses oak forests, vineyards, olive groves, pastures and arable land. The farm's main products include Orvietano DOC and Umbria IGT red wine, extra virgin olive oil, wood, truffles and free-range Chianina beef. In the surrounding countryside, there are various well-marked trails of varying lengths for hiking, horseback riding and cycling. Along these paths, you will be able to discover countless enchanting spots that are perfect for picnics, far removed from the hustle and bustle of urban life.

The estate produces red and rosé wines exclusively from carefully selected grape clusters, handpicked at perfect ripeness. They are then vinified in the Castle's wine cellar, which dates back to the 16th century and has been recently modernised, restoring Castello di Montegiove to its former prominence in the Umbrian and Italian wine scene, as was the case in the 1970s. Recently, many vineyards have been replanted, and the surface area has been reduced to focus on the production of high-quality black grapes. The vineyards consist of Sangiovese varieties with classic clones of Brunello and Prugnolo Gentile, as well as recently selected clones from the Chianti Classico region. Additional varieties include Sagrantino, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. The Montegiove Estate still maintains a few hectares of vineyards planted in the early 1970s, composed of Montepulciano and Sangiovese.

Currently, a project is underway to enhance the native viticultural heritage; in the spring of 2013, the planting of new vineyards began, focusing on the recovery of historical grape varieties from the area for the conservation of genetic resources and future grape production.

THE HISTORY OF CASTELLO DI MONTEGIOVE

Castello di Montegiove stands on a hill in the heart of verdant Umbria, on the border between Orvieto and Perugia. Its construction dates back to the medieval period of the city-republics in the 12th century, and the Castle has been carefully and lovingly maintained. Today, it represents an example of one of the best-preserved fortresses of its time. Immersed in the glorious natural landscape of the Umbrian countryside, the Castle enjoys a spectacular view of the surrounding valleys, while being only a short distance from Rome and Florence.

Castello di Montegiove owes its name to the existence of a Roman temple dedicated to “Jupiter Elicius”, confirmed by the discovery of two votive terracotta heads of the deity; Giove, also known as Jupiter (Iupiter or Iuppiter in Latin), is the Roman god of the sky and thunder. The Castle was erected around 1280 by the Bulgarelli family, Counts of Parrano and Marsciano. Over the centuries, it changed ownership many times, becoming the residence of Blessed Angelina, born in Montegiove in 1357 to Giacomo dei Conti di Marsciano, who is considered the founder of the Regular Franciscan Third Order. It later became the residence of the Monaldeschi della Vipera, quoted by Dante Alighieri in the Purgatory section of “The Divine Comedy”, and the famous ‘condottiero’ mercenary Gattamelata. Since 1780, it has belonged to the Marquises Misciattelli family, who united the ancient fiefdom and the Castle's estate, devoting themselves exclusively to farming.

Montegiove is a small village that currently has less than 100 inhabitants, but in ancient times it was once one of the ‘pivieri’ parish districts of Orvieto, and later became an independent municipality in the Papal State. A few kilometres from Montegiove is the famous ‘La Scarzuola’ architectural complex, whose construction was commissioned by the owners of Castello di Montegiove in 1282, as is recorded in written documents of the time, when they requested the construction of an oratory where St. Francis of Assisi had built a hut in 1218.

FACILITIES AND SERVICES: ACCOMMODATION, WEDDINGS AND PRIVATE EVENTS IN UMBRIA

It is possible to visit part of the Castello di Montegiove, including the chapel of Blessed Angelina and the wine cellar. After the guided tour, you will be invited to taste the wines from our estate. For those who do not wish to visit the wine cellar but would like to purchase the estate's exclusive products, just below the castle walls, is the farm’s private wine shop.

The Castle's guesthouse, an enchanting 13th-century structure once used as an olive mill that has been fully restored, has been converted into two luxurious two-storey apartments located just outside the castle walls. Cosy and welcoming, equipped with every modern comfort and tastefully furnished, the apartments and the warm atmosphere within make guests feel instantly at home. The peace and nature all around, combined with the element of service and overall atmosphere at the estate, guarantee you will be able to fully savour an unforgettable vacation.

The Castle is also an excellent venue for weddings, ceremonies and other special occasions. Its inner courtyard encloses a splendid garden, offering breath-taking views of the surrounding landscape. Castello di Montegiove is the perfect place to choose for an unparalleled private event.