UMBRIA - REGION OF ITALY
The only Italian region without access to either the sea or international borders, Umbria is a solitary and soulful world apart. Often overshadowed by neighboring Tuscany and Lazio, this lush and sparsely populated land is affectionately referred to as the “green heart of Italy.”
The hamlet of Montefalco, with its medieval rampart walls and Romanesque churches, is located 1,550 feet above sea level, approximately 30 miles southeast of Perugia. The surrounding Colli Martani hills are covered with cordon-trained vines that enjoy soft breezes and long summers.
Sagrantino di Montefalco DOCG (or Montefalco Sagrantino)
Considered a rising star among Italy’s elite circle of ageworthy red wines, Sagrantino di Montefalco has attracted the curious eye of wine lovers around the world. Deep historic ties to the territory and microclimate of Montefalco also distinguish the DOCG wine.
The only Italian region without access to either the sea or international borders, Umbria is a solitary and soulful world apart. Often overshadowed by neighboring Tuscany and Lazio, this lush and sparsely populated land is affectionately referred to as the “green heart of Italy.”
Montefalco
The hamlet of Montefalco, with its medieval rampart walls and Romanesque churches, is located 1,550 feet above sea level, approximately 30 miles southeast of Perugia. The surrounding Colli Martani hills are covered with cordon-trained vines that enjoy soft breezes and long summers.
Extensive new plantings that saw the region under vine increase from 250 acres in 1990 to 1,750 acres in 2010 has forced producers to market aggressively, and some excellent values are now available to consumers.
Common Grapes
Sagrantino
Although its origin is a mystery, one theory suggests Franciscan friars carried the grape from Asia Minor. Once used primarily for sweet sacramental wines, 120 different clones have been identified. The grape offers spicy aromas of cinnamon and nutmeg, dark ruby color and thick texture. Its plentiful tannins are softened through modern techniques and oak aging.
Although its origin is a mystery, one theory suggests Franciscan friars carried the grape from Asia Minor. Once used primarily for sweet sacramental wines, 120 different clones have been identified. The grape offers spicy aromas of cinnamon and nutmeg, dark ruby color and thick texture. Its plentiful tannins are softened through modern techniques and oak aging.
Sangiovese
Umbria’s principal red variety, Sangiovese’s fresh berry flavors make it a perfect blending partner to the austerity and firmness of Sagrantino. The grape’s historic ties to Montefalco (and Central Italy in general) likely predate those of Sagrantino.
Umbria’s principal red variety, Sangiovese’s fresh berry flavors make it a perfect blending partner to the austerity and firmness of Sagrantino. The grape’s historic ties to Montefalco (and Central Italy in general) likely predate those of Sagrantino.
Common Wines
Sagrantino di Montefalco DOCG (or Montefalco Sagrantino)Considered a rising star among Italy’s elite circle of ageworthy red wines, Sagrantino di Montefalco has attracted the curious eye of wine lovers around the world. Deep historic ties to the territory and microclimate of Montefalco also distinguish the DOCG wine.
“You can’t separate the two,” says producer Marco Caprai. “Sagrantino and Montefalco share an extraordinarily intimate bond.”
That identity has been the wine’s competitive edge in foreign markets curious about the new flavors offered by little-known indigenous grapes.
Sagrantino di Montefalco is a symbol of Umbria’s winemaking excellence. “Umbria’s two greatest mascots are Sagrantino and St. Francis,” says Piero Fabrizi, a member of the Terre de’ Trinci wine cooperative.
Rosso di Montefalco DOC
Less austere and powerful than Sagrantino di Montefalco, this red blend is generally made from 60–70% Sangiovese, 10–15% Sagrantino and 15–30% other grapes, often Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon. The wine shows bright berry flavors with enough structure to pair with lasagna, pork or grilled lamb shank.
Less austere and powerful than Sagrantino di Montefalco, this red blend is generally made from 60–70% Sangiovese, 10–15% Sagrantino and 15–30% other grapes, often Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon. The wine shows bright berry flavors with enough structure to pair with lasagna, pork or grilled lamb shank.
Montefalco Sagrantino Passito DOCG
Made from 100% Sagrantino, this hearty dried-grape wine is a close cousin to the sweet ceremonial wines once made by local monks. Thick and viscous with an inky dark color, it pairs well with German chocolate cake.
Made from 100% Sagrantino, this hearty dried-grape wine is a close cousin to the sweet ceremonial wines once made by local monks. Thick and viscous with an inky dark color, it pairs well with German chocolate cake.
Recommended Producers
Filippo Antonelli of Antonelli San Marco and Marco Caprai of Arnaldo Caprai have played important roles in the advancement and evolution of Sagrantino di Montefalco. Antonelli is a precision winemaker who consistently strives for the highest quality. Marco Caprai is an innovator and a savvy promoter credited with bringing this previously little-known wine to the global stage.
Other recommended producers: Benincasa, Cantina Tudernum, Cantine Novelli, Cesarini Sartori, Còlpetrone, Goretti, Lungarotti, Madonna Alta, Paolo Bea, Perticaia, Scacciadiavoli, Tabarrini, Tenuta Alzatura, Tenuta Castelbuono, Tenuta Rocca di Fabbri, Terre de’ Trinci.
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