Sagrantino

The majority of Sagrantino grapes are grown in the Umbria region of Italy. This region is known for its rolling hills and fertile soils, which make ideal conditions for growing this variety. The grape is found in small quantities in neighboring regions such as Lazio, Marche, and Abruzzo. Sagrantino, as many Italian varieties, is brought to new world countries like Argentina, Australia and the USA as experimental variety. Sagrantino is a difficult grape to grow due to its thick skins and low yields. The grapes require meticulous vineyard management to ensure that the fruit is of the highest quality. In the winery, the grapes are fermented on the skins for an extended period of time to extract color, tannins, and flavor. The wines are then aged in oak barrels for several years before being released. The most famous style of Sagrantino wine is the Montefalco Sagrantino DOCG. This wine is made from 100% Sagrantino grapes and must be aged for at least 36 months before release. The wine is full-bodied, tannic, and deeply colored with intense aromas and flavors of dark fruits, spice, and licorice. Another classic example of Sagrantino wine is the Sagrantino-Sangiovese blend, which is commonly labelled as Montefalco Rosso DOC. Sagrantino is a powerful red wine that pairs well with full-flavored dishes. It is often enjoyed with game meats such as venison, as well as rich pasta dishes and aged cheeses.