The Cellar: Montefalco Rosso & California Chard

Steffen Rasch, GoLocalProv Wine Writer

The Cellar: Montefalco Rosso & California Chard

A few years ago I featured an unusual wine; a Sagrantino based wine from a small Italian wine region called Montefalco – a wine that absolutely blew me away. The 'Sagrantino di Montefalco' was a so-called DOCG wine referring to its classification (Denominazione di Origine Controllata e Garantita), which is the highest for Italian wine. Other famous Italian wines that carry the DOCG designation are Amarone, Barolo and Barbaresco, just to mention a few. The wine was absolutely amazing, but at $50+ a pop probably not what most of us would consider an 'everyday wine'. 

But not all wines from Montefalco are that expensive. The mountainous region is also home to two 'DOC wines' (Denominazione di Origine Controllata); a white and a red - wines that are less exclusive, arguably more 'everyday', but just as interesting and delicious. While the region's whites must be made from a least 50% Grechetto and 25% Trebbiano, the Montefalco reds (Rossos) has to be made from at least 70% Sangiovese, typically blended with the native Sagrantino and/or international varieties such as Merlot.

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This week's featured red, the 2011 Montefalco Rosso from Cantina Colpetrone, is exactly such a blend. This wine, of which they make less than 6.000 cases, is made from 70% Sangiovese with equal parts Sagrantino and Merlot sourced from a vineyard just outside of the nearby town of Marcellano, a 20 minute drive west of Montefalco. After blending 60% of the wine is aged in stainless steel tanks to preserve its freshness while the other 40% is aged 12 months in French oak barrels for oxidation and added complexity. After bottling the wine rests for an additional 4 months before release. The resulting $25 wine is medium-plus bodied and densely flavored. This wine tasted of licking a raspberry covered piece of old leather. Delicious! It hits on all the important structural notes with firm tannins from the Sagrantino and lingering acidity from the Sangiovese. This is a food wine for sure; one that would pair well with game or a holiday roast.  

Oh, and if you’re looking for a good, inexpensive Chardonnay let me throw another recommendation out there. Perfect for your upcoming holiday party, look for the Leese-Fitch. Priced at around $12 per bottle this Californian Chardonnay is a good value and definitely one that will please most white wine drinkers. I like it because it is straightforward and fruit-driven – no rough edges here. A lot of Californian Chardonnays in this price range are very oaky and buttery, but not this one. The Leese-Fitch focuses on the fruit and displays just enough acid and whiffs of wood to keep things in balance. Flavors of pineapple and ripe peaches come to mind alongside subtle hints of clementines. 

Happy Holidays,

Steffen Rasch is a Certified Sommelier and Specialist of Wine. Feel free to email him at [email protected] with any wine-related questions or 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.

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