TASTE
Sangiovese is the dominant grape in this blend, supported by Sagrantino, yet it is far more floral and succulent than, say, Chianti. Medium-full with a wonderful silkiness on the palate, this is a fine expression of the beautiful vineyards of Montefalco.
FOOD PAIRING
Beef · Pasta · Veal · Poultry
PRODUCER
Perticaia is a stellar producer based in Montefalco, Umbria, and produces not only one of the greatest Sagrantinos, but a range of other excellent wines, including the super-rare Trebbiano Spoletino white. Guido Guardigli consulted to other Sagrantino producers for many years before setting up this new winery in 2000, supposedly as a “retirement” project. The quality goes without saying; tre bicchieri awards are standard issue here.
VINEYARD
The vineyard of Perticaia is planted on a gentle, southwest-facing slope 300-350 metres above sea level. A useful proportion of stones in the soil favours good drainage. The grapes for this wine come from eight hectares of the estate, planted to a low cordon-trained and spur-pruned system with 5,500 plants per hectare. Yields are kept low to maximize concentration.
WINERY
After destemming and gentle crushing, the grapes were fermented in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks for one or two weeks according to the grape variety. The wine was then aged for eighteen months before release: twelve months in tank and six in bottle.