The Cellar: Montefalco
Steffen Rasch, GoLocalProv Wine Writer
The Cellar: Montefalco
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.
GET THE LATEST BREAKING NEWS HERE -- SIGN UP FOR GOLOCAL FREE DAILY EBLASTThis 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.
10 New England Wine Getaways
Newport Vineyards
Newport Vineyards is the perfect Rhode Island destination for wine lovers year round. Visit the winery this weekend for tastings and tours, featuring an array of award winning wines.
909 E Main Road, Middletown, RI. (401) 848-5161.
Carolyn's Sakonnet Vineya
Carolyn’s Sakonnet Vineyards in Little Compton is much more than just a winery—it is a place to get away from the stresses of life and indulge your senses, a place to try new things, a place to focus on you. The vineyard is open every day, and invites you to come for a tasting and tour. Try their Petite Red, Vidal Blanc, and many more of their distinctive wines.
162 W Main Road, Little Compton, RI. (401) 635-8486.
Greenvale Vineyards
Visit Greenvale Vineyards in Portsmouth to sample their estate grown and produced wine, made in small batches. While at the estate, try seven different wines and keep the wine glass for only $12. While you are tasting, take in the gorgeous views of both the vineyard and river. Besides tasting the wines, Greenvale also invites customers to tour the winery and learn about the history and process of winemaking at the vineyard.
582 Wapping Road, Portsmouth, RI. (401) 847-3777.
Maugle Sierra Vineyards
For a trip to a vineyard that includes much more than just wine, hop over the border to Ledyard, CT, to check out Maugle Sierra Vineyards. The vineyard hosts live music on Fridays and Sundays to compliment your wine tasting experience. Pack a dinner or light fare and enjoy a tasting session in the Sierra Room while you take in the sunset.
825 Colonel Ledyard Highway, Ledyard, CT. (860) 464-2987.
Nickle Creek Vineyards
Nickle Creek Vineyard is a family owned and operated Rhode Island wine treasure. The winery, located in Foster, makes it their mission to handcraft the most unique, high quality wines in the business. All wines are created in small batches, giving them a distinctly unique taste. This weekend, visit their tasting room to try their variety of wines. On your way out, be sure to pick up a bottle of Foster Nights to get you through those chilly New England evenings.
12 King Road, Foster, RI. (401) 369-3694.
Nashoba Valley Winery
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.
Bishop’s Orchards Winery
The wines from Bishop’s Orchards Winery and Farm Market in Guilford, CT, have won over 179 medals since the winery opened in 2005. The tasting room at Bishop’s is open seven days a week year round, so no time is off-limits for wine tasting. Head over on the weekend to enjoy a winery tour pre or post tasting session. While visiting the winery, also be sure to check out the market for fresh baked goodies.
1355 Boston Post Road, Guilford, CT. (203) 453-2338.
Diamond Hill Vineyards
For a cool twist on classic wine labels, look no further than Diamond Hill Vineyard in Cumberland. At Diamond Hill, you can get custom designed wine labels perfect for any occasion. If you’re interested in tasting the wines, visit their elegant tasting room for samples of their high quality wines such as Cranberry Apple, Estate Pinot Noir, or Blackberry.
3145 Diamond Hill Road, Cumberland, RI. (401) 333-2751.
Westport Rivers
Westport Rivers Vineyard & Winery
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.
417 Hixbridge Rd, Westport, MA. (508) 636-3423.
Travessia Winery
Found on the southern Massachusetts coast about 30 minutes outside of Providence, is Travessia Winery in New Bedford. This micro-winery puts a twist on traditional wine culture with its cool urban flair. Travessia is open for sales and tastings Wednesday-Sunday, and invites customers to come in and enjoy their unique variety of wines.
760 Purchase Street, New Bedford, MA. (774) 929-6534.
