The hills of Montefalco, south of Perugia, undoubtedly constitute one of the most interesting wine regions in our country. As well known, the most widespread grape variety in this area is Sagrantino, a substantial grape that must be carefully managed in agronomic and technical terms to contain its pronounced generosity. However, for some time now, Montefalco Sagrantino has had to contend with increasingly focused and intriguing versions of the other red wine designation in the area, Montefalco Rosso.
Let's be clear from the start: there is no hierarchical relationship between Montefalco Sagrantino and Montefalco Rosso. Montefalco Rosso is by no means a "second wine," a younger sibling of Sagrantino, as one might mistakenly think. It is a different type altogether, and, in fact, the reference grape variety changes.
Producers focusing on Montefalco Rosso have been part of a concrete awareness in these terms. The results today are evident to all. Montefalco Rosso (which also includes the Reserve type) can certainly be compared to Montefalco Sagrantino in terms of the characteristics of the soil and climate in which it originates, but not for the grape varieties used. Indeed, the protagonist here is Sangiovese (minimum 60%, maximum 80%), which has acclimatized perfectly to the territory, accompanied in the blend by Sagrantino (used in maximum percentages of 25%). The result? The wines derived from it are delightful in their young, vintage versions – dense yet always smooth – and of excellent taste development in the Reserve versions.
The best Montefalco Rosso with the best quality-price ratio
The small list we propose is taken from Gambero Rosso's Berebene 2024 guide. These are four very good labels that you can find for sale for less than 20 euros, perfect wines to experience another expression of the Montefalco region.
Scacciadiavoli Montefalco Rosso 2021 is one of the flagship labels of the winery. Founded in 1884, the winery is among the historical realities of the region, as is evident when visiting the extraordinary production facility. With the change of ownership to the Pambuffetti family, there has been a turn that brought a breath of modernity to the enterprise. The vineyards are located in the municipalities of Montefalco, Gualdo Cattaneo, and Giano dell'Umbria. Among the rows, you find traditional varieties, starting from Sagrantino and passing through Sangiovese, Grechetto, and Trebbiano Spoletino.
Benedetti & Grigi Montefalco Rosso Attunis 2020 presents olfactory complexity and depth of discourse. Boisé aromas are joined by sensations of red fruit and spices that anticipate a dense but smooth and very fresh palate. The 70 hectares of property are divided among the four estates owned by Umberto Benedetti and Daniele Grigi. The shared passion for the Umbrian lands of the agronomist and the entrepreneur has led to the creation of an ambitious project for viticulture production. The rows are in different areas that differ in altitude and soil. The cultivated grape varieties range from autochthonous, such as Trebbiano Spoletino and Sagrantino, to international ones, such as Cabernet and Merlot, describing a varied company range.
Cocco Montefalco Rosso Camorata 2019 is refined, graceful, and well-made, smelling of blueberries, ripe cherries, and spicy nuances acquired from aging in large barrels. The palate is centered, enveloping, with good substance that gives persistence and depth to the sip. Once again, this year, the wines bearing the Ilaria Cocco signature prove to be authentic and representative of the Montefalco region.
Tenute Baldo Re Migrante is a Reserve of Montefalco Rosso with good material and pulp, with scents of boisé and marasca with an undergrowth background. The company is located in the heart of Umbria, and the vineyard hectares are found among the hills of the Montefalco and Torgiano denominations. The production benefits from a young and passionate team that offers a range of modern yet strongly territorial labels.
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