Sagrantino Di Montefalco

A Big Beautiful Red for Those Crisp Autumn Nights

Montefalco and Its Beautiful Surroundings

Located about 2 hours south of Siena, in Umbria, Montefalco is the namesake village of a DOCG dedicated to a unique, and excellent, Italian veriatal. The Sagrantino Di Montefalco DOCG was awarded in 1992, establishing a set of rules intended to preserve and promote the quality of wines made from Sagrantino.

Montefalco

The Consorzio Tutela Vini Montefalco requires that only Sagrantino grapes be used, and that thirty months of aging occur before the wine is released. The aging must be for a minimum of twelve months in oak barrels, and at least four months in bottle before release.

Sagrantino is its own grape, not resembling any other, and is only found in the Montefalco region, thus making it rather special and worth investigating.
The thick skins of this red varietal are the main contributor to the longevity of these wines, which are able to age for years, and develop further complexity.

After tasting through a number of samples, a few consistent characteristics became apparent.  These wines are quite solid, and well structured.They have good acidity, and deep, dark fruit profiles, that work in conjunction with the consistently present tannins, thus resulting in balance.The thick skins that fuel this structure, also provide aromatic notes that lay on top of many example, and add complexity.
All of these qualities make Sagrantino from Montefalco an excellent choice for cooler nights, and hearty winter foods. Below are three fine examples, from the more than fifty producers of this wine that you should get to know.

2008 Arnaldo-Caprai "Collepiano" Sagrantini Di Montefalco DOCG 14.5%ABV , $50

Dark black cherry and dusty mineral Earth on the nose, with subtle vanilla bean and aromatic blackberry. The palate is quite chewy with dried, blackberry notes, black cherry skins, char-grilled meat and violet incense. There's a pleasant bitterness on the finish, and a little bite. Big and burly, but it seems to have what it needs to come together into something more after a few years in the cellar. 89Pts

2008 Scacciadiavoli Sagrantino Di Montefalco DOCG 15% ABV $39

Popped and poured, dark ruby in color. The nose is a bit reserved, with the dense, dried, black cherry fruit that is solid, but not round, with faint vanilla, and a hint of cocoa dust. There are also notes of dusty underbrush supporting. The palate is well structured and perfumed with blackberry, black cherry, a pleasant bitterness, a hint of forest floor and a tart juicy finish. Firm, dusty, tannins a present throughout, and drive the character of this wine. Although a bit awkward at this stage, there is a general character of firmness, density, and masculinity. 89Pts

2009 Perticaia Sagrantino Di Montefalco DOCG 14.5% ABV $44

The nose is finessed and lovely showing pretty blackberry scents with underlying cedar, subtle Asian spice, and dried flowers. The fruit is pure and fresh in nature; very appealing.The palate starts off with a soft attack, aromatic black cherry, a little menthol and savory notes trailing. The balance is very good with chewy tannins, easy acidity and depth of fruit. Lean, dark, a little savory, and easy to drink, with fine tannins and a little bite on the finish. A complete pleasure.91Pts.