Novelties from Antonelli

The Montefalco estate presented two new wines in Rome: a Trebbiano Spolentino and a new Sagrantino.

At the beginning of February, the historic Antonelli San Marco estate in Montefalco invited us for the presentation of two important novelties. The event took place near Rome’s Orto Botanico (Botanic Garden), a fascinating place I suggest visiting. The tasting room had a lovely table set up and brochures necessary to present two unknown wines. They were a white and a red made from two fundamental varietals for the area: Sagrantino and Trebbiano Spolentino, the latter a consolidated star for white wines in this part of the Umbria region. The presentation also included tastings of the latest vintages of Antonelli classics, including the cru Chiusa di Pannone Montefalco Sagrantino, vintage 2015, which was truly very good.

To tell the truth, the Trebbiano Spolentino Anteprima Tonda is not exactly a novelty. It is an example of the evolution from the first version created in 2013, when it was an Umbria IGT and matured in wood, and what it will become in the end, a cru Vigna Tonda, a Spoleto DOC. This to underscore the origin of the grapes from this circular vineyard that was planted towards the end of the 19th century with the romantic idea of a vineyard as a garden. The old vineyard was replanted several years ago, always in a circular form and with cuttings grafted from the estate’s older vines, but the estate does not feel it is ready yet to be considered a cru and have this mentioned on the label. A link to the past is the fact that the wine is macerated long on the skins, before it is matured in amphorae of various sizes which is not traditional but a demonstration of an openness towards new ideas that are very dear to many consumers. The result, in any case, is positive.

The new cru Sagrantino Molino dell’Attone 2015 was very interesting. It is a different Sagrantino from Chiusa di Pannone, one which focuses more on an open aroma and quest for elegance that appears to be the new trend to relaunch Sagrantino. The vineyard is situated in Gualdo Cattaneo and has a particular soil, one different from that at the estate’s headquarters. The soil, in fact, is very loose and gravelly which is apt for seeking a greater elegance in the flavor. The few bottles for this debut vintage demonstrate the validity of this estate’s project that has been carried out in collaboration with Paolo Salvi, a very conscientious enologist with a classic approach to winemaking.

Spoleto Trebbiano Spoletino Anteprima Tonda 2018  

90/100 - € 19

Made from Trebbiano Spolentino grapes and matured in amphorae of various sizes. A pale yet quite bright yellow color and an aroma of ripe loquat, a hint of sandalwood, violets, also glazed, yellow peach and incense. The mouthfeel is thick and flavorful with a nice, composed progression and contained and fascinating old-style vein for those who love macerated wines. The finish is juicy, relaxed and persistent.
 

Montefalco Sagrantino Molino dell’Attone 2015 

91/100 - € 45

Made from Sagrantino grapes, macerated for 40 days, fermented in stainless steel and matured in small, used barrels for 24 months. A dark and compact ruby color with an open and complex aroma with floral notes, a fresh balsamic hint and scents of dark fruit and light spices. The mouthfeel is thick yet relaxing with an agile and elegant progression with youthful tannins full of character. A nice progression towards an elegant and persistent finish with floral notes.

Bottles produced: 1,355.

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