It has been a few years since we last visited Montefalco. With more and more of its wines locally available I thought it was time for another in-depth look at its famous Sagrantino, as well as its regional white companion. I continue to believe that the wines of Montefalco are among Italy's best kept secrets.
Montefalco is located in the picturesque region of Umbria approximately 2 hours north of Rome. The area was recognized for its viticulture early on. It was awarded DOC status in 1979 with its star red grape, Sagrantino, being awarded the highest classification (DOCG) in 1991. As I noted in a previous article, despite the early recognition Sagrantino di Montefalco never really captured the international wine drinking audience as has the other Italian big boys Amarone, Brunello and Barolo.
On the reasons for this is the wines scarcity. The Sagrantino grape is only grown (commercially) in and the around the village of Montefalco. At last count there were less than 50 produces growing less than 400 acres of Sagrantino vines. With more than 2 mio. acres under vine that’s less than .02% of Italy’s total acreage. Another reason the average wine drinker probably haven’t heard of this wine is because of its often hefty pricetag. According to the strict rules of this DOCG the wine must age for a minimum of 2 years prior to being released, of which 12 months must be in oak. Time is money in the wine business so all this aging, along with the scarcity, often boosts the price of Sagrantino di Montefalco into the $40-$60 range. That said, there are some bottles out there that sell for significantly less.
This week's featured example is the 2010 Sagrantino di Montefalco made by Perticaia. I have attached a video from the estate that features the people behind the wine; quite the family affair as you can see. This 100% Sagrantino wine underwent a long maceration (skin contact) before fermentation. The wine has aged for 3 years at the winery, one year each in oak, steel and bottle. The resulting wine is a massively structured, densely flavored and delicious wine. Ripe black fruit dominate the palate with hints of sweet oak and savory undergrowth. The firm tannins are well-integrated. Really good!
Besides from the Sagrantino and a 'Montefalco Rosso' DOC wine, which must be made from at least 70% Sangiovese (often blended with Sagrantino) winemakers in the region also produces a white DOC wine. 'Montefalco Bianco' is the region's flagship white; a wine that must be made from at least 50% Grechetto with between 25% and 35% Trebbiano. This week's featured example is the 2015 Nido Del Falco Montefalco Bianco from Broccatelli Galli. This wine is made from the two mandatory grapes with Chardonnay to round up the blend.
The wine is aged in stainless steel only – no oak, so it is very expressive with the Grechetto's rich body, nuttiness and floral aromatics defining the wine. Slightly herbal with stone fruits from the Chardonnay is complimented by a tartness on finish provided by the Trebbiano. A delicious wine for around $15.
Cheers,
Steffen Rasch is a Certified Sommelier and Specialist of Wine. Learn about wine in person by signing up for one of his tastings at the Providence Wine Academy.
Central Mass’s own Hardwick Vineyard & Winery, open March-December, is a close to home treasure that produces 3,000 gallons of wine each year. The winery, which grows 6 varieties of grapes, is built on a quiet road in Hardwick that abuts the Quabbin Reservoir. Located on the property is a majestic 200 year old mansion. This weekend, take the trip to the vineyard to enjoy a wine tasting. Favorites include Massetts Cranberry and Yankee Girl Blush. If you head out on a Sunday; you’ll be in luck—the winery is hosting Sangria Sundays for the rest of the month.
Tucked away on the southern coast of Massachusetts, Westport Rivers Vineyard & Winery, located about an hour’s drive from Worcester, is worth the trip. For only $10, you can take home a special edition etched wine glass and enjoy a tasting of up to six of their award-winning wines. While the tasting room is open Monday-Saturday, free winery tours are also offered to the public every Saturday from 1-3pm.
A relatively young addition to the Massachusetts family of wineries and vineyards, Coastal Vineyards in South Dartmouth opened its doors in 2004. Coastal Vineyards grows eight varieties of grapes on their property, including Riesling, Merlot, Pinot Noir, and more. For a special treat, head over on Sunday for their Ugly Sweater Wine Party featuring acoustic musician Ryan Thaxter. Don your ugliest sweater to get 35% off your purchase—and a chance at a prize.
Head out to one of Massachusetts’s favorite college towns this weekend to check out Amherst Farm Winery. Enjoy a wine tasting set in a cozy 19th century post and beam dairy barn. For only $5 receive a logo glass and a taste of 5 of their 15 wines, including unique flavors like chocolate raspberry, pumpkin frost, cranberry, and more. Bring a picnic and cozy up on their leather sofa by the fire to enjoy your wine with a snack.
Take the bite off the winter chill this weekend and take a drive to Nashoba Valley Winery in Bolton. The winery hosts tasting events everyday from 10am-4:30pm For $5, receive a free tasting glass and samples of up to five different wines. Some favorites include Strawberry Rhubarb Wine, Holiday Special Cranberry Apple (a new release in November 2013), and New English Cider. If you are in the mood for something other than wine (if that’s possible), check out their beer selection as well!
100 Wattaquadock Hill Road, Bolton, MA. (978) 779-5521.
Mill River Winery, located in Rowley, is the perfect wine destination for a mini-getaway. Enjoy the gorgeous winter scenery of Western Massachusetts as you wind through country roads to the winery. Mill River’s tasting room is housed in a refurbished cider mill, complete with eclectic décor that provides for an excellent tasting and shopping experience. Try their delicious Naked Chardonnay, a full bodied chardonnay with aromatic notes of lemon zest and pear. If you would like to get a “Dirt to Bottle Tour,” make sure to be at the winery at 2pm or 4pm Saturday or Sunday.
For only $6, get the full Black Birch Vineyard experience—tasting and a tour! Enjoy the great mix of contemporary and rustic décor of the tasting room and the local culture of this Massachusetts winery. While you’re in, be sure to try their award winning selection of reds and whites.
Located just over the border, Taylor Brook Winery in Woodstock, CT, is a hidden gem. This winery tends to over 2,000 vines of the finest grapes in the region. Head down to enjoy the country hospitality of this great local business, which offers tastings, bottles of their wine, and other great gift items for purchase. For a delicious winter wine, try their Winter Pomegranate.
The Obadiah McIntyre Farm Winery is located on the Charlton Orchards Farm property. The winery is owned and operated by a family that has been in the business of growing fruit for over 50 years, and began making wine in 1999. They are dedicated to making the best tasting wines around. Every weekend until the end of December, join them for a tasting and see for yourself.
44 Old Worcester Road, Charlton, MA. (508) 248-7941.
Just over the Vermont border, Putney Mountain Winery located inside Basketville, has been making delicious local wines since the 1990s. All of their wines are crafted from local produce, which makes for the best tasting wine possible. If you’re toting the kids along for the day, the winery also sells juices made from locally grown produce, like their Putney Bubbly Vermont Sparkling Black Currant.
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