The wines of Montefalco hail from the Umbria region of central Italy, which is sometimes called the green heart of Italy, where Filippo Antonelli has been operating the Antonelli Winery since the mid eighties. The region is famous for the Sagrantino grape, and this Montefalco Rosso is a blend of 65% Sangiovese, 15% Sagrantino, and 10% each of Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. It is marvelous!
I have always enjoyed the blends of Tuscany with the three grape varieties, but this one goes a step further with the addition of the Sagrantino. It seems to add a little more earthiness and a secondary layer of complexity not found in even a Super Tuscan. This is a $20 bottle of wine that drinks like one in the $40 and up range.
The wine opens with a powerful nose broadcasting the scent of cherry and blackberry throughout the room, and opening the door to a banquet hall full of bursting fruit flavors. The black cherry and blackberry flavors are boosted with a background of red plum, underscored with a bit of mineral tinged vanilla. The finish features smooth tannins and an earthy succulence which sails on into the night. This wine does not beg for another sip, it demands it.
We paired this wonderful robust red with our best presentation of Fettuccine Bolognese and a crisp, green garden salad, accompanied by a warm Ciabatta garlic loaf. It was like a trip to Italy, with no jet lag. Norm’s score is 90.
Score: 90
Price: $20 – $25
By: Norm Bentley
North Georgia Wine Advisor
normwine@bellsouth.net
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