Nine hundred years
Castello di Magione was built in the 12th century as a hospital for pilgrims traveling to Rome or Jerusalem. Wine production, which began here in the Middle Ages, is a historic hallmark of excellence in the region, alongside cereals and olive oil.
It was only from the 14th century that the building began to take on the characteristics of a fortress, as the complex was raised. The courtyard, surrounded by arches, welcomes visitors as they prepare to explore the Castle.
Custodians of inestimable artistic heritage
In the oldest part of the Castle lies the chapel dedicated to Saint John the Baptist, built in Romanesque style, which houses two frescoes from the Pinturicchio school (16th century).
In the Castle, which hosted Popes and Sovereigns on several occasions, a conspiracy was held in 1502 by a group of nobles against Cesare Borgia. This event, known as the “Diet of Magione in the Perugian territory,” is mentioned by Machiavelli in *The Prince*.
Vineyards of Umbria
UMBRIA COLLI DEL TRASIMENO
The vineyards of the Castello di Magione farm are part of the “Colli del Trasimeno” DOC and stretch at an altitude between 250 and 350 meters above sea level on the hills near Lake Trasimeno.
Red grape varieties: Pinot Noir, Merlot, Gamay, Cabernet Sauvignon, Sangiovese, and Canaiolo.
White grape varieties: predominantly Grechetto, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, and Trebbiano.
The cellar for aging red wines in wooden barrels is located in the historic premises of Castello di Magione.
UMBRIA TORGIANO
The Commenda Meniconi Bracceschi in Brufa di Torgiano, within the Torgiano DOC area, produces Sangiovese, Pinot Noir, Grechetto, Merlot, and Cabernet Sauvignon from vineyards situated on the hillside at 400 meters above sea level.
The Wines of Castello di Magione
Wines that reflect the identity of the territory where they are grown
Wine Tastings in the Cellar
The evocative cellar, with its vaulted ceiling and the barriques lining the visitor path, offers a journey back in time.
Here, the wines are refined in oak barriques to achieve perfection and balance.
The Conspiracy of Magione
In 1502, the renowned Conspiracy of Magione took place at the Castle—a plot devised against Cesare Borgia (Valentino) by his own captains and allies. It is named after the very place where it was organized, the Castle of the Knights of Malta in Magione. It was Niccolò Machiavelli who revealed to Cesare Borgia, known as Valentino, the plans set against him by his captains during the Diet of Magione, ultimately foiling the plot. Every July, within the medieval setting of Castello di Magione, the captivating reenactment titled “Conspiracy at the Castle” takes place. Castello di Magione serves as the evocative backdrop for the thrilling theatrical performance, recounting the conspiracy that Cardinal Orsini orchestrated, right in this very location, against Cesare Borgia.
