Montefalco Sagrantino, secco DOCG

Vineyard and terroir

The 2005 fruit came from Pagliaro in the hills of Montefalco, at 400 m above sea level. The clay vineyard faces east–southwest and is wire-trained at approximately 2,800 vines per hectare. Yield was 50–60 q/ha. The season was exceptionally balanced, with rain and sunshine in equal measure.

Grapes

100% Sagrantino.

Vinification

The grapes were harvested by hand in the second week of October and transported in small steel containers. They were destemmed on the day of harvest and fermented on the skins. Fermentation and maceration lasted 46 days. No artificial stabilizers were used, and natural sediment may form in the bottle.

Ageing

The wine matured for 12 months in steel and 24 months in large Slavonian oak barrels. The 2005 vintage was bottled on 23 September 2008 and rested for approximately nine months in bottle, away from light and sound, before its first spring 2009 release.

Technical data

Alcohol: 14.5%. Production comprised 19,184 individually numbered 750 ml bottles, 210 individually numbered 1.5 L magnums and 99 individually numbered 3 L super magnums.

Tasting profile

Dry, supple and full, with aromas of vanilla, dried prunes, figs and blackberries.

Serving and pairing

Serve at 18–20 °C and allow the wine to breathe for a few hours. After even light transport, let the bottle settle for at least 15 days. Pair with savoury or gamey red meats and pasta; it can also accompany crusty tarts filled with prune or apricot preserves.

Vintage notes

The exceptionally balanced 2005 season supported a slow maturation process. Under suitable cellaring conditions, the wine was expected to continue improving and to age for up to 15 years from harvest.