Discover Sagrantino, Umbria’s Best Kept Secret
Have you ever ventured to Umbria? If so, you know it’s a land of rolling green hills, vast olive groves, and sprawling vineyards. Often overshadowed by its famous neighbor, Tuscany, Umbria is a hidden gem in Italy’s wine-producing regions. This beautiful area is home to a unique grape found only in a small, restricted corner of the region: Sagrantino.
Meet Montefalco’s Sagrantino: The King of Tannins
In the charming town of Montefalco, you’ll discover the legendary Sagrantino grape, renowned as the king of tannins. Just as Barolo is synonymous with Piedmont and Brunello di Montalcino with Tuscany, Sagrantino is the hallmark of Umbrian wines. This grape is one of the most tannic varieties in the world, and it takes expert craftsmanship and time to transform its intense astringency into an unforgettable wine experience.
The Magic of Sagrantino
Sagrantino is aged for 30 months, with at least 12 of those in oak barrels and another year or so in the bottle. This meticulous aging process turns the initially unapproachable, mouth-drying grape into a rich, mesmerizing wine. Picture a dark, almost black ruby red wine with an explosion of aromas and flavors: cocoa powder, licorice, dark berries, leather, vanilla, and sage. Each aroma slowly unveils in your glass, creating a complex and unique profile.
From Sweet Beginnings to a Renowned Red
For centuries, the Sagrantino grape was only used to make sweet wine, known as Sagrantino Passito, due to its austere and tannic nature. It wasn’t until the mid-1960s, when the grape was on the brink of extinction, that a few visionary wine producers in the area recognized its potential. Their hard work and belief in this grape transformed it into one of Italy’s best reds. Sagrantino can age gracefully for over 25 years, making the wait worthwhile.
Taste the Best of Italian Wines
Experience the magic of Italian wines firsthand on our Italian Red Wines Tasting Experience in Rome. Join us and discover why this hidden gem from Umbria is a must-try for any wine lover.
Join Our Community
For more authentic and traditional Italian experiences, join our Community Casa Local Aromas and immerse yourself in the true essence of Italy.
Subscribe to our YouTube Channel and check out our food and wine tours and cooking classes in Rome, Florence, and Venice!