A Montefalco 2024: Preview of the 2020 Vintage of Montefalco Sagrantino

Posted by Rowena Dumlao Rowena Dumlao - Giardina 7/26/2024

A Montefalco 2024: Preview of the 2020 Vintage of Montefalco Sagrantino

In central Italy, Montefalco is renowned for its diverse wines, high production quality, and the dedicated individuals who showcased the area's beauty. The region, with a heart increasingly green, has taken great strides in sustainability, reflecting a commitment to environmental stewardship.

Last June 2024, the beautiful medieval village of Montefalco, Umbria, hosted A Montefalco, a special event inviting visitors to explore this evolving wine culture through a preview tasting of the latest vintages. This series highlighted not only the famous Montefalco Sagrantino but also a variety of wines from neighboring comunes like Bevagna, Castel Ritaldi, Giano dell’Umbria, and Gualdo Cattaneo. With a strong tradition in viticulture, Montefalco presented a blend of traditional and innovative wines, featuring native varieties such as Trebbiano Spoletino and Grechetto, alongside Sangiovese.

The rebranded A Montefalco event, formerly known as Anteprima Sagrantino, introduced significant changes this year. It highlighted not just the 2020 release of Montefalco Sagrantino DOCG but also included a broader spectrum of the region’s wines. Attendees had the opportunity to taste Montefalco Grechetto DOC, Montefalco Bianco DOC, Spoleto Trebbiano Spoletino DOC (including Spumante and Passito), Montefalco Rosso DOC, and Montefalco Rosso Riserva DOC.

A notable change in the tasting process was the elimination of barrel tastings, which were deemed either uninformative or potentially misleading in determining the final quality of the wines. Instead, the event focused on providing 'true' previews of wines ready for market release, offering a comprehensive vertical and horizontal tasting experience. This allowed for a deeper understanding of the region's rich viticultural heritage.

The Montefalco Sagrantino DOCG 2020 Vintage: Evaluated Outstanding with 5 Stars

The 2020 vintage in Montefalco has been celebrated as an outstanding year for the region's renowned Montefalco Sagrantino DOCG wines, earning a prestigious 5-star rating and an impressive score of 96/100. This exceptional vintage was shaped by a unique set of climatic conditions, beginning with a relatively mild and dry winter. An early spring brought above-average temperatures, which was soon followed by an abrupt cold snap, bringing low temperatures, snow, frost, and hail to some areas.

May and June delivered consistent, heavy rainfall, providing an excellent water supply to the vines. This moisture was crucial in helping the vines withstand the extreme heat of the summer, particularly during July when temperatures were notably high. As August drew to a close, a shift in weather patterns brought cooler and more humid conditions, culminating in a relatively late harvest. The dry climate in late September resulted in grapes that were healthy, perfectly ripe, and well-balanced.

In the cellar, this vintage was characterized by a gradual and balanced harvest, especially for later-ripening varieties like Sagrantino and Trebbiano Spoletino. The quality of the grapes brought into the cellar was exceptional, and the quantity was also notable, save for areas affected by spring frosts and hailstorms. Overall, the wines of the 2020 vintage are captivating, showcasing perfectly matured fruit and a vibrant, dynamic character. The tannins are fully developed, offering both flavor and elegance. This vintage is exceptional, providing immediate allure while also possessing the potential for long-term aging.

The Consorzio Tutela Vini Montefalco's Commitment to Sustainability

The Consorzio Tutela Vini Montefalco is a driving force in promoting environmental sustainability within the Montefalco wine region. Collaborating with ARPA Umbria, the Consorzio became a member of the RES (Rating Eventi Sostenibili) system, showcasing its commitment through events like ‘A Montefalco,’ ‘Montefalco Green,’ and ‘Enologica Montefalco’ in 2023. These events emphasize sustainable practices, demonstrating the Consorzio's dedication to environmental and social responsibility in the wine industry.

A significant aspect of the Consorzio's sustainability efforts includes supporting local businesses within the DOCG Montefalco Sagrantino territory. More than 62% of these wineries are certified organic or in the process of obtaining certification. These wineries have adopted various sustainable practices, such as installing solar systems and biomass boilers to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, implementing agroforestry practices like raising poultry among vines, and using horses for vineyard work.

Some have achieved full energy and ecological self-sufficiency, while others focus on biodiversity zonation, vegan certification, and creating biological gardens and ecological corridors to protect bees. There are also ongoing initiatives to achieve zero pesticide residues in wine, minimize pesticide use, and enhance the sustainability of the viticulture supply chain through lifecycle assessments. These comprehensive efforts underscore the Consorzio’s commitment to establishing Montefalco as one of Italy's greenest wine regions.

Sagrantino: A Symbol of Montefalco

Montefalco Sagrantino, a wine distinguished by the prestigious Denominazione di Origine Controllata e Garantita (DOCG), exemplifies the unique terroir of Umbria. This remarkable wine is produced exclusively in the hilly regions of Montefalco and neighboring comunes such as Bevagna, Castel Ritaldi, Giano dell’Umbria, and Gualdo Cattaneo, spanning around 390 hectares. The vineyards are typically located in hilly, exposed areas, excluding the valley floors, and utilize pruned-spur, cordon-trained, and Guyot training systems.

The Sagrantino vine, known for its medium-expansion training systems and medium-long pruning preference, has deep historical roots in the region, dating back to its cultivation by the first Franciscan friars. This vine is integral to the region's viticulture and contributes to the distinctive character and robust structure of Montefalco Sagrantino wines, celebrated for their rich flavors and potential for aging.

The wine's name comes from a recently discovered story dating back to February 13, 1240. In the Umbrian castle of Coccorone, Emperor Federico's sacred falcons fell ill with a deadly disease. Theodore of Antioch, an expert called upon to save them, suggested an infusion of sugar, alcohol, and violet petals, known as ‘Violaceum.’ With time running short, the violet petals were instead added to the local sweet wine, and miraculously, the falcons were cured. This miraculous cure led to the wine being named 'Sagrantino,' from 'falco sagro,' meaning sacred falcon, and the town's name was changed to Montefalco, translating to falcon's mountain. This rich history is further immortalized in the frescoes painted by the Florentine artist Benozzo Gozzoli in 1451, commissioned by the Franciscans, possibly alluding to Sagrantino as the red wine depicted on the knight of Celano’s table, celebrating the life of St. Francis.

The 2020 vintage reveals a noticeable shift toward a lighter style, particularly in its Sagrantino wines. These wines stand out for their vibrant character and well-balanced fruit maturity, achieving an unprecedented lightness and approachability at a young age, a departure from the norm for Sagrantino. The tannins are well-matured and tamed, contributing to a flavorful and elegant experience. This vintage captivates with its immediate appeal and promises strong potential for long-term aging, with the expectation of evolving beautifully over time.

Standout Highlights of the Tasting:
Bocale Montefalco Sagrantino DOCG 2020
Antonelli Montefalco Sagrantino DOCG 2020
Scacciadiavoli Montefalco Sagrantino DOCG 2020
Tabarrini Il Bisbetico Domato Montefalco Sagrantino DOCG 2020
Romanelli Terra Cupa Montefalco Sagrantino DOCG 2020
Arnaldo Caprai 25 Anni Montefalco Sagrantino DOCG 2020
Agricola Mevante Montefalco Sagrantino DOCG 2020
Tenute Lunelli Tenuta Castelbuono Carapace Montefalco Sagrantino DOCG 2020
Terre di San Felice Vinum Dei Montefalco Sagrantino DOCG 2020

Older Vintages:
Cocco Ilaria Phonsano Montefalco Sagrantino DOCG 2018
Antonelli Montefalco Sagrantino DOCG 2018
Tabarrini Campo alla Cerqua Montefalco Sagrantino DOCG 2018
Romanelli Medeo Montefalco Sagrantino DOCG 2019
Antonelli Chiusa di Pannone Montefalco Sagrantino DOCG 2018

Trebbiano Spoletino: A Distinctive Ancient White Grape

Trebbiano Spoletino, an ancient and distinctive white grape variety, has become a hallmark of the central Italian wine region, particularly in Montefalco and Spoleto. Recognized under the Spoleto DOC, which was established in 2011, this grape variety is integral to the area's viticultural identity, alongside other native varietals like Grechetto. Traditionally, Trebbiano Spoletino vines were intertwined with trees such as maple, elm, and ash, a practice that dates back centuries. While this method has largely been replaced by the Guyot training system, which is better suited to the vine's long internodes and vigorous growth, rare old ungrafted vines can still be found using the ancient training method.

The grape is cultivated on around 48 hectares, primarily in hilly areas and the cooler parts of the valley floor, not exceeding 400 meters above sea level. In 2023, Trebbiano Spoletino Superiore accounted for 14% of the total Spoleto DOC production, while the Spumante variant represented 7%. The region boasts 34 winemakers and 28 winemakers/bottlers, underscoring the grape's versatility and importance.

Trebbiano Spoletino is renowned for its aromatic freshness, citrusy core, and robust acidic structure, distinguishing it from other white grape varieties in central Italy, which often lean towards fuller-bodied profiles. Its versatility allows for a wide range of wine styles, from crisp and fresh to more complex and aged expressions, making it a valuable asset for winemakers aiming to produce distinctive wines that reflect the rich terroir and history of Umbria.

Standout Highlights of the Tasting:
Bocale Spoleto Trebbiano Spoletino DOC 2023
Antonelli Trebium Spoleto Trebbiano Spoletino DOC 2023
Terre di San Felice Spoleto Trebbiano Spoletino DOC 2023
Le Cimate Spoleto Trebbiano Spoletino DOC 2022
Ninni Misluli Spoleto Trebbiano Spoletino DOC 2022
Scacciadiavoli Spoleto Trebbiano Spoletino DOC 2022
Colle Ciocco Spoleto Trebbiano Spoletino DOC 2022