Umbria is home to the exquisitely intense, quite popular wines of Montefalco Sagrantino D.O.C.G., but, flying under the regional radar is a lighter, more approachable (and generally more affordable) option: Montefalco Rosso.
Montefalco Rosso is a blend, subject to percentage requirements, of Sangiovese and Sagrantino. The D.O.C. requires that Montefalco Rosso be comprised of 60-70% Sangiovese, 10-15% Sagrantino, and the remainder from other red grapes (typically Merlot). The bigger more robust Montefalco Sagrantino requires that the wine be composed almost entirely of Sagrantino (95%).
One might even call the Montefalco Rosso a Sagrantino “starter” for the budget-conscious—boasting some of this blue-black grape’s signature kick but with some softer, juicier notes from the Sangiovese and Merlot. Yet, don’t take my word for it, just look at the numbers: there is more Montefalco Rosso produced in Italy than Montefalco Sagrantino—but only a small amount ever shows up in the US because the Italians consume most of it. They know a good deal when they taste one.
Defined by rich deep color, earthy complexity, dusty tannins and concentrated red-black fruits, these wines are ready-to-drink and usually quite affordable. Rosso’s have some fruity swagger, but it is moderated by tannins and underlying minerality. These are not mindless sipping wines, buy they aren’t going to knock you out either---a nice juggle between the two styles. Of course, I encourage you to splurge on a Sagrantino as well, all the better to compare, and life is short.
Some to Try (and some of the few you will find in the U.S. market):
2012 Arnaldo Caprai, Montefalco Rosso, $23. Layered and complex. This wine tasted even better the second night---as the richer red fruits and spicy layers emerged. Wonderful structure with something going on in every sip. Vanilla, spice, earth, black cherry all present.
2011 Perticaia Montefalco Rosso, $27.99. Blue-black fruits with sweeter raspberry notes and lingering finish. Tannins are present but not overpowering, well-structured and delicious with a ribeye or meatballs.
2010 Tenutae Lunelli Ziggurat, $16.99. A blend of Sangiovese, Sagrantino, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. Rich and complex layers of black cherry and spice tied together with medium tannins, good structure and freshness. Drink now or cellar for a few years. $16.99
