A Velvety Sagrantino from the ‘Elegant’ 2010 Vintage

‘POLISHED’ 93 POINT SAGRANTINO WITH BOTTLE AGE

AT A TERRIFIC PRICE!

“We love promoting unusual wines that we believe to be unique, delicious… and great deals! Sagrantino di Montefalco fits that profile – it’s a wine we’ve promoted before, but it is not that well known outside of Italy due to its small production. Sagrantino is a grape that’s indigenous to the region of Umbria in Central Italy, and is grown primarily in the village of Montefalco and its surrounding areas. It was granted the prestigious DOCG status in 1992. Thankfully for those who cherish diversity, the producers near the small town of Montefalco in northeastern Umbria (near the towns of Assisi and Foligno) have decided to emphasize their own unique wine and craft bottlings that are as distinctive as Barolo in Piedmont or Brunello di Montalcino in Tuscany. Sagrantino is considered a ‘rising star’ among Italy’s elite circle of age-worthy red wines.

While the grape is one of the most tannic varieties in the world, and creates robust wines that are inky purple with an almost-black center, modern producers tame the tannins both through extended maceration as well as aging in oak. The great Napa Cabs we are seeing now are from 2013…this is from the 2010 vintage! The wines have big cherry, plum and strawberry fruit, usually with plenty of spice and hints of earth. It is a food friendly wine that matches up nicely with most Italian foods and has the tannins to stand up to a nice steak or lamb as well as hearty stews and braised meats. This is a wine to enjoy now and over the coming decade! We got a great price on this wine – when we carried the 2008, it was $19.99 – this time, our price is only $17.99 – the lowest in the country!” – Jim Knight, Wine House

“I like the aromas of almonds, dried fruits and mushrooms that follow through to a full body. Lots of shaved-chocolate character too. Long, flavorful finish. A polished sagrantino. Give it a year or two to soften.” –James Suckling, July 2016

FROM THE IMPORTER

Wine Description: Sagrantino is a native varietal of Umbria, which, according to some, was brought to the region by Franciscan monks centuries ago. In the last 30 years, Sagrantino has enjoyed resurgence in Umbria. Rich in tannins and polyphenols, Colpetrone takes extensive care in the cultivation of Sagrantino order to produce an elegant, balanced wine. Sagrantino di Montefalco received the DOCG designation in the 1990s.

Tasting Notes: Intense ruby red color. Ample nose of red fruit with spices and a subtle hint of vanilla, dried fruits and chocolate. On the palate it is fresh, well-structured, with concentrated tannins in its youth, featuring a long, velvety finish.

Appellation: Sagrantino di Montefalco DOCG
First Vintage: 1995
Varietal: 100% Sagrantino
Viniculture: Stainless steel
Aging: 12 months in French oak barriques
Bottle Aging: 26 months

ABOUT TENUTE DEL CERRO

Còlpetrone winery is part of Tenute del Cerro SpA, the Wine Company of Gruppo Unipol, one the biggest European insurance companies. Tenute del Cerro represents the fulfillment of an ambitious wine project, with a focus on nature and on the best local expressions of agricultural products that are destined to be enjoyed world-wide.

Còlpetrone became a member of the Tenute del Cerro group in 1995 and is situated in the center of Umbria, a stone’s throw from Foligno, Trevi and Bastardo. After a short time, it became one of the key estates in Montefalco, due to its spectacular red wine, Sagrantino di Montefalco. The Sagrantino grape, properly native variety of Montefalco, is one of Italy’s oldest grapes, rich in tannins and polyphenols. As a result, a very careful cultivation process is required in order to enhance power and uniqueness of this wine, while ensuring balance and elegance. Very high quality farming systems are adopted in the vineyards, with yields of 60 quintals per hectare, well below the 80 ones permitted by the regulations.

The designation of a DOCG appellation for Sagrantino di Montefalco in 1992 solidified the standing of both the Sagrantino varietal and Còlpetrone. Today, the estate consists of 345 acres, 155 of which are vineyards. Còlpetrone produces 200,000 bottles annually, offering consumers Rosso di Montefalco, Sagrantino di Montefalco, Gold Sagrantino di Montefalco and Sagrantino di Montefalco Passito.