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 Spolentino 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 seven 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
The wine underwent a lengthy fermentation and maceration of at least three weeks, at temperatures up to 30oC. After malolactic it was transferred to a mixture of barriques and tonneaux, all French oak, for twelve months’ ageing, which was followed by a further twelve months in tank and another twelve in bottle before release.
Taste
A great example of Umbria’s signature grape variety, this intense, dramatic wine offers aromas of cinnamon and black cherry, followed by a powerful, structured palate of world-class complexity and balance.
Awards
3 glasses, Gambero Rosso 2015