Often compared to Piemonte's Nebbiolo, although heartier and darker in color, Sagrantino di Montefalco DOCG (or Montefalco Sagrantino) from Umbria is rapidly becoming one of Italy's most coveted and collectible red wines .
Sagrantino grapes have traditionally been vinified as a passito or dried-grape wine. Many believe that the name Sagrantino (from sacramento or "sacrament") can be attributed to the fact the grape was cultivated by the Franciscans, whose order was founded in Umbria during the 13th century by St. Francis of Assisi and who used the sweet wine in their mass.
Historically, Umbria has been best known for its production of white wines—in particular those from Orvieto. It was not until 1992 that Sagrantino di Montefalco (made from grapes grown in the township of Montefalco) became a DOCG wine. The appellation covers both Sagrantino Secco or dry (with a minimum alcohol content of 13° and a min. aging period of 30 months, of which 18 at least must be in cask) and Sagrantino Passito (with min. alcohol content of 14.5° and a min. aging period of 30 months). It is no wonder that the varietal was commonly used for sweet wine: the Sagrantino grape has a remarkably thick skin that makes it ideal for drying on the vine or on mats. In some respects, the story of Sagrantino is not unlike that of Amarone, which originated as a passito wine, Recioto, and was later developed into a dry wine as tastes began to change (Amarone made its first appearance in 1938, more than 50 years before Sagrantino di Montefalco Secco).
Sagrantino di Montefalco is always remarkably dark in color, with hints of violet. On the nose, it should present blackberry and wild fruit, prune preserves, licorice, and dried roses. With aging, it can achieve complex aromas of leather, cinnamon, clove, eucalyptus, and tobacco.
