Umbria

"Montefalco Sagrantino" is a Protected Designation of Origin that includes two variants of the homonymous red wine: Secco and Passito. Mention of the vineyard may also be included.

Grapes

Both types of wine are produced in purity, that is, using only one type of grape which, specifically, is that of the Sagrantino vine.

Physicochemical and Organoleptic properties

The "Montefalco Sagrantino" dry is a wine with peculiar and evident organoleptic characteristics. The color is intense, in the shade of ruby red, with purplish reflections, the advance of aging then makes it tend to garnet. The aroma is delicate and reminiscent of blackberries, is accompanied by a persistent aroma, with hints of plum, leather and wood. The taste is dry and harmonious, with a powerful, soft and velvety taste. The minimum total alcoholic strength by volume is 13.00% vol. but rises to 13.50% vol. for the versions with indication of vineyard. Much higher is the alcohol content of the Passito variant, which reaches 18.00% vol. Its color is always ruby red, which turns to garnet, and the flavor is sweet, harmonious and pleasant. It releases a delicate aroma reminiscent of blackberries.

Grape production area

The production area is rather small and all included within the province of Perugia.

Specificity and historical notes

The commercialisation of Montefalco Sagrantino cannot take place before 33 months from the production, time dedicated to the aging. As far as the production of the passito is concerned, on the other hand, it is possible to use the technique of drying, as well as that of humidity control. From a historical point of view, the first traces of Sagrantino can be found in the works of Pliny the Elder, who names the grape "Itriola" as a fruit native to Montefalco and able to give life to a particularly valuable wine.