2005 Sagrantino di Montefalco Collepiano

Norm's Tasting Notes
by: Norm Bentley
North Georgia Wine Advisor
normwine@bellsouth.net





2005 Sagrantino di Montefalco Collepiano
#nb-15-12


Umbria is a region in Italy located in the center of the country and sometimes refered to as the "Green Heart" of Italy. Within Umbria is the village of Montefalco and the nearby vineyards of Arnaldo Caprai founded in 1971. This is almost the only place in the world where you find the Sagrantino grape, which is native to the area, at least since the Roman days. Sagrantino is a thick-skinned grape which produces a huge amount of tannin, and a very dark and robust wine. It is not for the faint of heart.

It is however, a wonderful wine for those of us who enjoy a powerful wine paired with a hearty meal, such as wine and garlic marinated lamb chops seared on the grill, and served medium rare. This is exactly what we chose for this year's Easter Feast. The lamb was great, and the wine was fantastic! The beginning was a knock-out bouquet that threatened to over-power the senses. Clouds of cherry and currant surrounded by vanilla leapt out of the glass. The flavor was rich and robust with the cherry and currant being accompanied by a little pepper, and earthy undertones. The finish is powerful and long with evidence of the twenty-two months aging in oak. The alcohol content is 14%.

The presence of tannin is still pronounced, as the wine is still quite young at seven years old, and should continue to improve for several more years. This is an elegant wine which is ready now for hearty game dishes, and meats such as our grilled lamb, but if you have the time, lay it down for three to five more years and then enjoy this splendid offering from the heart of Italy. Norm's score is 93.


Score: 93
Price: $50 - $65

Norm

Norm's Tasting Notes can also be accessed at his Blog: http://normwine.blogspot.com/

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