Italiano
A bold preview of Sagrantino
Vintage 2015 of the “family jewel” of the rolling hills of Montefalco is decidedly superior to previous years.
Montefalco is a land of rolling hills, vineyards and olive groves set with a backdrop of the Apennine Mountains, Mt. Subasio and the Martani Mountains. The lush landscape makes one want to go hiking or cycling through this land so rich in history, wine and nature. Perhaps with an itinerary with stops and meals at estates like Tabarrini and the nearby Bocale, to then drop down to Pardi or up to discover the isolated Bellafonte estate or to take the road to Colanto. Then again, one could just cycle following the red arrows to Carapace. The delicate, sublime of nature of Montefalco is almost in contrast to the bold and impetuous polyphenolic nature of its wines, with their unique and initially almost surly yet unmistakable personality.
It is the time of tastings and previews and everything was ready in the Sala Consiliare (Municipal Hall) in the central square of Montefalco with 47 wines of the latest, truly five-star vintage for which the appellation can be proud as it celebrates its 40th anniversary this year. The general quality level of the vintage was decidedly superior to those of the past, an indication that, above all in the winery, there is more attention to finesse and experience. The tannins are more mature and polished, less drying and integrate well into the wine’s structure, which is fuller and richer than the vintage 2014 that, even if there were some very elegant wines, in some cases suffered from being excessively thin and a lack of balance between the tannins and the texture.
Below are reviews of some (but there were many) of the more convincing wines at the tasting. Consideration was of course taken for the “tannic masochism” that every year distinguishes this tasting precox composed of samples from bot barrels and bottles with the wine still having a road to travel to arrive, at the right time, in the glass of consumers.
Montefalco Sagrantino 2015 Adanti
94/100 - € 30
A sure bet. Although still excessively young, this wine stands out for being an elegant and harmonious drop. Made from Sagrantino grapes, matured in 30hl and other sized oak barrels. The wine has a ruby color and a bouquet of fruit and spice, berries and cinchona. The mouthfeel is fresh and saline, elegant and harmonious with a long finish of red fruits, spice and some smoky notes.
Montefalco Sagrantino Collenottolo 2015 Bellafonte
93/100 - € 36
Again this year one of the most convincing tastings, fine and spicy. Made from Sagrantino grapes, matured in 30 to 50hl Slavonian oak barrels. A ruby color and a rich and bold aroma with scents of red fruit and dark spice, coffee and turmeric. The juicy and surly mouthfeel has bold tannins but is already mature, fresh and long.
Montefalco Sagrantino Campo alla Cerqua 2015 Tabarrini
93/100 - € 35
Together with the equally good Colle alle Macchie and younger brother Colle Grimaldesco, this was again one of the best tastings. Made from Sagrantino grapes and matured in French-oak barrels. A ruby color and an earthy and smoky aroma with notes of red fruit, pepper and humus. The tannins are rich and deep in a sumptuous and full mouthfeel with sensations of spice, smoky hints and red fruit.
Montefalco Sagrantino Sacrantino 2015 Fratelli Pardi
92/100 - € 35
Balanced and consistent. Made from Sagrantino grape and matured in 26hl oak barrels. A ruby color and an intense and floral bouquet with scents of red fruit, blood orange, roasted coffee and hay with balsamic whiffs. The fruity and dynamic mouthfeel has sweet tannins and is already balanced.
Montefalco Sagrantino 2015 Romanelli
92/100 - € 35
Two Sagrantino Romanelli wines, each very different from the other but both good. The “stock” wine was dynamic and fresh, the cru Medeo – from the Colle San Clemente vineyards – bold and full and decidedly needs to age. The first was more enjoyable and immediate. Made from Sagrantino grapes and matured in French-oak barrels. A ruby color and a fine and spicy aroma with sensations of fruit, red citrus and a vague note of hydrocarbons. The elegant mouthfeel is fresh and dynamic, taut and long.
