La Strada Del Sagrantino in Umbria
From the Diary of Axel Ritenis (2010)
“La Strada del Sagrantino (The Sagrantino Road) is the advised route for discovering the Sagrantino wine of Umbria.Dubbed by some as the “green heart of Italy”, this area of Umbria is known for its lush vegetation and heritage-rich Medieval hamlets. Sagrantino is the best known DOC denomination wine from here, and the wine trail includes an assortment of publicly-managed consortiums and private wineries guaranteed to offer the wine tourist a unique experience.It is possible to tour the zone of Montefalco and Bevagna tasting the Sagrantino and Rosso di Montefalco wines on the way, as well as purchasing fine olive oil directly from the producers.The wine route sits in the centre of Umbria, an equal distance south of Perugia and north of Terni. The towns and comune of reference are, in a clockwise direction, Bevagna, Montefalco, Castel Ritaldi, Giano dell’Umbria and Gualdo Cattaneo.”
WINES
Sagrantino di Montefalco DOCG Secco and Passito
Montefalco Sagrantino DOCG or Sagrantino di Montefalco DOCG wines are named after the Sagrantinogrape from which they are made. Cultivated for centuries on the hills of Umbria, Sagrantino is considered autochthonous, although there are various theories as to its origin. Some believe it to have come from Spain, others say it was imported by the first Franciscan friars, and others still claim that it was brought into Italy by the Saracens. This DOCG makes a major contribution to the reputation the Region of Umbria has earned as producer of fine wines, known and consumed by popes and governors during the Renaissance.
Sagrantino Passito goes well with unleavened sweet pastries, especially cookies, and crostate (tarts) with blackberry or red fruit jams. It is drunk as a meditation wine or, when aged, with sharp pecorino cheeses. Sagrantino Secco is suitable roasts, venison, furred game and hard cheeses.
Montefalco Rosso DOC
Made from 60-70% Sangioveseand 10-15% Sagrantino grapes, with the addition of a maximum 30% of other non-aromatic red grape varieties.
