Is Sagrantino the Italian Tempranillo

by Darby
(Umbria- - this week)

Sagrantino is the premier red wine variety in Umbria Italy. Sagrantino di Montefalco is the wine that I have enjoyed most over the few days I have stayed in this wonderful region.

The wine is rich and fruity with a strong middle palate - just like Tempranillo. It has some oak and seems to be released after some bottle age. The wine in the shops is 2004 and 2005 vintage at present.

Montefalco is a hilltown (one of many) just 20 km away from our villa.

The other major red wine variety in the region is sangiovese which makes very good wines here, but they lack the wow factor of Sagrantino.

My advice is to seek out some Sagrantino di Montefalco and see for yourself.

If you'd like to try an Aussie version there are a few Australian Sagrantino wines made. I recommend the Gracebrook version.