Collection: Sagrantino

Sagrantino offers little pleasure in its youth—even to die-hard fans of bold, edgy wines. Winemakers know this well, which is why pure varietal Sagrantino is typically released only after four years of barrel and bottle aging. Some estates, especially with their riservas, hold back even longer. And even then, the wine is often just beginning its evolution.

Sagrantino grows in a precisely defined area, located exclusively in and around Montefalco, in Umbria.

The grape thrives in clay soils, prefers warm climates, and is a late ripener—a combination that explains the often astonishing alcohol levels. It performs well on its own but is also comfortable in blends. In the past, winemakers used to blend it with the white grape Trebbiano Spoletino—probably not a bad idea, though no longer permissible under current regulations. Today, Sangiovese is typically used instead—a fitting partner, as its natural acidity helps temper Sagrantino’s power. In Montefalco, this blend is known as Montefalco Rosso, a wine clearly designed for those who may not be ready to tackle the full force of a 100% Sagrantino on a daily basis.

Sagrantino is not an everyday wine. Its name likely derives from sagra—meaning "festival"—and that’s when it’s traditionally enjoyed. It is always aged in oak, and the resulting wine is dense, powerful, concentrated, and compact. Its fruit aromas are dark and intense, almost always underscored by pepper and herbs.