I called in to see Patrick at the Enoteca Wine Club in Umbertide this afternoon and came away with a bottle of Sagrantino di Montefalco made by Casale Triocco. I have tried a couple of Sagrantino di Montefalco wines costing less than €15 and on both occasions have come away thinking that you are better off spending your money on a similarly priced Montefalco Rosso. However, Patrick reassured me that this was a seriously good wine and well worth the €13 price tag. He explained that the six growers involved in Casale Triocco wines are part of the Spoleto Ducale co-operative, but, believing they could make better wine by keeping their grapes separate, they have come to a deal where they rent the storage and wine making equipment to make their own wine. As a result, they can keep their production costs down and release quality wine at a very competitive price.
The minimum barrel ageing for a Sagrantino di Montefalco is 12 months and it cannot be released before 36 months (soon to be 40 months) onto the market. Many producers will barrel age the wines for far longer, in some cases 30 months, this results in powerful wines that should really be aged for a long time before drinking. Casale Triocco have gone in the other direction, ageing the Sagrantino for the minimum 12 months in large barrels and allowing the wine more time in the bottle. Costs can be kept lower and the wine can be drunk younger.
Sagrantino di Montefalco DOCG 2004, Casale Triocco, Umbrian Wine
Sagrantino di Montefalco DOCG 2004, Produced by Casale Triocco
Cost €13, abv 13.5%, bought at Enoteca Wine Club, Umbertide, Umbria
The label tells you that the wine is made from 100% Sagrantino grapes, aged for at least 12 months in botte (large barrels) and in the bottle for at least 6 months. Ruby red in colour, tending towards garnet. Intense aromas, spices with blackberries. Full in taste, light in tannin, great with game, red meat and mature cheese. Open an hour before serving and serve at 18ºC.
Before reading the label I had decided that the aromas were of sweet spices and fruit, in particular cinnamon and ripe blackberry, so we are in agreement there! Whilst intense and of good quality, the width of aromas was fairly narrow. In the mouth the fruit and spice flavours were complemented by soft, yet notable tannins and a good level of acidity at the finish. The wine had a lovely long finish in the mouth.
Verdict: Excellent price / quality match, I would buy again. Whilst less “full on” than many Sagrantino wines, this wine can be drunk younger and also costs considerably less.
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You can try this Sagrantino di Montefalco when you holiday on the Tuscany Umbria border. Gorgacce Rentals have a selection of self catering holiday accommodation in this beautiful part of central Italy, visit their web site http://www.tuscanyumbria.com/ for Large Tuscany Villas, Small Tuscany Villas, Tuscany Farmhouses, Tuscany Agritourism and Tuscany Bed and Breakfast apartments, all with swimming pools. Also, look at our Cortona Apartment, Tuscany and Spello Apartments, Umbria. Whether you are looking for a Luxury Tuscany Villa or budget Tuscany Agritourism Apartments you will find suitable accommodation for your vacation in Tuscany and Umbria.
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