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Made with 100% Sagrantino grapes, this high-quality wine from Montefalco in Perugia, Umbria is mainly produced as a secco (a dry red wine). It is also produced as a passito (dessert wine)
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There are numerous archival documents found that shed the first significant light on the cultivation of this vine and on the use of Sagrantino grapes. The oldest document that has been passed down to us in which we begin to deal with vineyards dates back to 1088, but the oldest mention for now on the cultivation of the “sagrantina” grape in Montefalco dates back to 1549 and is documented by an order of Sagrantino must from part of the Jew Guglielmo, a merchant from Trevi and his wife Stella.
We know that the noble classes of 1500 loved to prepare tables of fine wines for special occasions, such as the reception of illustrious personalities.
Among the fine wines, there was also the red wine of Montefalco, as evidenced by a collection of reports (1541-1654) on the expenses incurred by the Municipality of Foligno to welcome guests worthy of particular respect.
The Montefalco Sagrantino DOCG wine obtained the recognition of the Controlled Designation of Origin (DOC) on October 30, 1979, then DOCG on November 5, 1992.
The Montefalco Sagrantino DOCG designation of origin is reserved for wines produced with grapes of the Sagrantino vine in purity, grown in an area that includes the lands of Montefalco and part of the municipalities of Bevagna, Gualdo Cattaneo, Castel Ritaldi and Giano dell’Umbria located in the province of Perugia.
It is a very small area with soils that slope gently along with the hilly profiles with altitudes from 220 m. to 472 m—s.l.m. (the highest hills), guarded by ancient medieval villages.
The Sagrantino grape, which grows in soil composed of sand, clay and limestone is normally harvested in October or November and its thick skin allows it to withstand winter and spring frost.
The grapes used for the passito version are dried for at least two months to reduce water content (and concentrate the juice produced from pressing) creating a sweet wine with intense flavours.
Montefalco Sagrantino DOCG wine is produced in the Secco and Passito types.
The colour of the dry version is intense ruby red, sometimes with violet reflections that tend to garnet with ageing. The scent is delicate, characteristic, reminiscent of blackberries, plum and leather that perfectly bind with the vanilla-scented wood; the flavour is dry and harmonious, soft and velvety.
Sagrantino is a long ageing wine thanks to its natural antioxidants and evolves for 10-15 years. It pairs well with pasta, pizza and recipes calling for black truffles.
The colour of the Passito is deep ruby red. The aroma is ample, delicate, characteristic reminiscent of blackberries and red fruit; on the palate, it is sweet, harmonious and pleasant. It pairs well with dark chocolate and dried fruits.
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