A Montefalco 2026
- Tony Wood
- 1 day ago
- 9 min read
Updated: 3 hours ago
My first visit to the beautiful hill top town of Montefalco, was by invitation from the Consorzio Tutela Vini di Montefalco through Serena Valeriani of the PR company Miriade & Partners S.r.L.
The Comune of Montefalco and the area of Bevagna constitute the regulated zone for Montefalco DOC wines. The Consorzio membership extends to 118, including about 65 wineries.
Montefalco is closely associated with Sagrantino, an ancient grape variety. Firstly produced as a passito wine which is still made today. Since the 1970s Sagrantino began to be vinified also as a dry red. The Consorzio was formed in 1981 and in 1992 Sagrantino di Montefalco became the 12th Italian wine to obtain DOCG status.
Other wines produced in this zone include:
Montefalco Grechetto DOC
Montefalco Bianco DOC
Montefalco Rosso DOC
Montefalco Rosso Riserva DOC
Spoleto Trebbiano Spoletino Spumante DOC
Spoleto Trebbiano Spoletino DOC
Spoleto Trebbiano Spoletino Superiore DOC
Spoleto Trebbiano Spoletino Passito DOC
...and two DOCG wines:
Montefalco Sagrantino DOCG
Montefalco Sagrantino Passito DOCG
The soil in the Montefalco production area varies, but is generally pale clay and calcareous with limited gravel. The altitude range for cultivation varies between 220 and 472 metres asl.
In the area of Bevagna and the in northern sector the soils are schist and afford the wines a more structured taste.
In the east southern sector, the central strip of the Montefalco hills, contain a vein of pebbles, going down in altitude where the clay soil becomes more prevalent which affects the vineyards facing the Montefalco hills. This ground cover brings out specific characteristics in its wines.
Production in 2022:
Montefalco Sagrantino DOCG 1.6 M bottles
Montefalco DOC 3.25 M bottles
Spoleto DOC 300 K bottles
The latest release at the event was the 2022 which is widely considered an excellent vintage gaining 4 out of 5 stars.
The Consorzio member wineries have outstanding “Green” credentials: Montefalco Sagrantino DOCG, Montefalco DOC and Spoleto DOC, 56% are biodynamic.
The remaining 44% hold significant environmental biodynamic and natural - dynamic certifications.
My day started at 9.00 am in the Complesso Museale San Francesco, the main purpose being the presentation of the 2022 vintage. The host was journalist Jacopo Cossater.
Others panel presenters:
Paolo Bartolini - President of the Consorzio
Ian D’Agata - Journalist
Sandro Camilla - President AIS Italia
Simona Meloni - Assessor of Agricoltura Regione Umbria
Stefania Proietti - President of Regione Umbria
Following the introductions, I attended a masterclass presented by Italy’s latest Master of Wine, Cristina Mercuri MW. Under the title theme “The Shape of Elegance, Montefalco’s New Wine Grammar”
The masterclass was held at the Chiostro Sant’ Agostino and accompanying the fascinating and engrossing lecture, the following wines were served to taste and to punctuate the points made in the address.
Valdangius
Campo de Pico 2024
Spoleto
Trebbiano Spoletino 100%
Pale straw yellow in colour. Aromas of green olive,celery, green apple, white asparagus, yellow fresh tropical fruits. On entry,intense, fresh, balanced, linear, widens from mid palate to a long articulated finish.
Antonelli
Terbium 2024
Spoleto
Trebbiano Spoletino 100%
Straw yellow in colour with bright highlights. Delicate aromas of tropical yellow fresh fruit, metallic minerality, Ogen melon and grapefruit zest. On the sip, youthful, fresh, crisp, appealing with a thin line of saline energy from mid palate to the close.
Tenuta Nicosia
Contrada Monten Gorna 2024
Etna Bianco
Carricante 90% Catarratto 10%
Aromas of white and yellow florals, Honeydew melon, saline nuances, metallic notes, friendly fresh acidity, vertical. Appealing and unique.
Tenuta Alzatura
Montefalco Rosso 2023
Sangiovese 70% Merlot 15%
Sagrantino 15% Medium ruby red in colour. On the nose, red rose petal, wild dark forest berry fruits. Sweet tannins, mellow acidity. Modern light textural resonance. Pronounced from mid palate. Elegant, precise and polished. Impressive.
Montioni
Montefalco Rosso DOC 2021
Sangiovese 65% Merlot 20% Sangrantino 15%
Bouquet of black cherry, dark berry fruits, mild spice notes and floral earth. On entry, velvety tannins, juicy, savoury, zesty acidity, a wine that is slow to open. Further nuances of distant fennel pollen and lead pencil shavings. Long and wide on the finish.
Tenuta di Ghizzano
Venerosa 2021
Terre di Pisa Rosso DOC
Sangiovese 70% Cabernet Sauvignon 30%
Deep ruby red in colour. Enticing on the nose, blackberry, dark chocolate, oaky vanilla. On the palate, precise, compact, showing sweet classic accents, almost racy in its delivery. Elegant and persistent on the back end to the close.
Tenuta Lunelli
Carapace 2021
Montefalco Sagrantino DOCG
Sagrantino 100%
Intense ruby red in colour.Cherry in spirit, redcurrant, blueberry, mild balsamic notes, rose petal florals. On the palate, complex mineral profile, fine tannin structure, developing acidity integration.Elegant with a controlled energy release.Harmony rules the long articulated finish. Impressive.
Arnaldo Caprai
25 Anni
Montefalco Sagrantino 2021
Sagrantino 100%
Deep ruby red in colour.Aromas of ripe dark berry fruits, florals include red rose petals, violet and pine needles, exotic spices, oaky vanilla, liquorice and white smoke. On the palate, rich, complex, concentrated, muscular, with poignant acidity and crunchy dry tannins. On the finish, persistent, powerful and velvety. One for the back of the cellar.
Chateau Haut Marbuzet
Saint -Estèphe AOC 2019
Cabernet Sauvignon 55% Merlot 35% Cabernet Franc10%
Medium ruby red in colour. Dark fruits, black cherry, oak notes, mild spice, vanilla and grilled herb notes.On entry, great balance, woven tannins, friendly acidity assist energy resonance, secondary nuances of cassis.Leaves a toasted aftertaste on the close.
Following her Masterclass Cristina Mercuri MW agreed to an interview...
A sampling local delicacies over lunch followed in the picturesque Piazza del Comune in the centre of town, a chance to taste some of the Montefalco wines with Sommelier service in the Monastero Agostiniano:
Tasting Notes
Spoleto Trebbiano Spoletino Spumante DOC:
Antonelli
Spoleto Trebbiano Spoletino Spumante DOC 2021
Trebbiano Spoletino 100%
Pale straw yellow in colour. Aromas of white and yellow floral blossom, grapefruit, white peach and lime leaves. Fresh and agile on the palate, fine perlage. Medium bodied. Linear and Savoury. Crisp, broad and long on the close.
Points 89 TW
Le Cimate
Giovanni Bartolini - Dedicato A Te
Spoleto Trebbiano Spoletino Spumante DOC 2021
Trebbiano Spoletino 100%
Straw yellow in colour with pale green undertones. Aromatic profile contains gardenia florals and pale rose petals alongside fleshy tropical fruits. On the sip complex, layered, slight saline energy noted, secondary nuances of apricot and Asian pear. On the finish, juicy, articulated and long.
Points 90 TW
Montefalco Grechetto DOC:
Colle Ciocco
Clarignano
Montefalco Grechetto DOC 2023
Grechetto 85% Viognier 15%
Pale bright yellow in colour. On the nose yellow fleshy tropical fruits, melon, citrus zest, white petal florals. Silky entry, complex mineral profile, light in texture resonance, savoury. Fine balance. Medium weight. Fresh and juicy on the close.
Points 88 TW
Montefalco Bianco DOC:
Tenuta Bellafonte
Sperella
Montefalco Bianco DOC 2025
Trebbiano Spoletino 100%
Intense straw yellow in colour. Beguiling aromas rise from the glass, passion fruit, lime leaves, papaya, yellow florals, Earl grey tea nuances. On the palate, savoury, showing textural depth and volume. Crisp and fresh. Balanced. Intense. Youthful . Stays on well during the finish.
Points 90 TW
Colle Ciocco
Montefalco Bianco DOC 2024
Trebbiano Spoletino 70% Viognier 20% Chardonnay 10%
Pale yellow in colour with a silver undertone. Aromas of white florals, lily of the valley, mild jasmine, and distant mimosa. White peach, lychee and star fruit. Upon entry, agile, fresh, vibrant but friendly acidity. Creamy accents on the back end. A line of saline infused energy appears from mid palate.
Points 90 TW
Spoleto Trebbiano Spoletino DOC:
Le Cimate
Spoleto Trebbiano Spoletino DOC 2025
Trebbiano Spoletino 100%
Bright golden yellow in colour. Aromas of white peach, apricot, pear, melon and guava. White and yellow florals. Lime notes. Ripe fleshy fruit core surrounded by wry acidity and crunchy tannins. A degree below full bodied with tons of energy. Vertical and progressive. Long on the close.
Points 91 TW
Cantina Ninni
Misluli
Spoleto Trebbiano Spoletino DOC 2024
Trebbiano Spoletino 100%
Bright straw yellow in colour with golden undertones. Delicate aromas of white florals and a whiff of mimosa.Yellow peach, persimmon, star fruit ,apricot and hazelnut. On the palate, elegant, rich, silky, concise and luscious. Long and articulated on the finish.
Points 92 TW
Romanelli
Le Tese
Spoleto Trebbiano Spoletino DOC 2023
Trebbiano Spoletino 100%
Pale straw in colour. Elaborate aromas of yellow florals, peach, caramel and macadamia nut, apricot and banana. Saline infused energy. Woodland smoky notes. Oaky vanilla. Long, layered, elegant and polished from mid palate to the finish.
Points 92 TW
Spoleto Trebbiano Spoletino Superiore DOC:
Le Cimate
Riserva Del Cavalier Bartolini
Spoleto Trebbiano Spoletino Superiore DOC 2022
Trebbiano Spoletino 100%
Deep yellow in colour. Beguiling aromas of daffodils and acacia, toasted brioche, lime citrus notes. Classic sweet accents. Nature textural resonance. A shade from full bodied. Balanced. Concise yet linear. Fresh and agile on the finish.
Points 90 TW
Montefalco Rosso DOC:
Di Filippo
Montefalco Rosso DOC 2023
Sangiovese 60% Barbera 30% Sagrantino 10%
Ruby red in colour with bright highlights.Heady aromas of red blossom florals, red wild forest berries, cherry, dewberry, blackberry with distant liquorice notes. On the sip, fresh, lively, compact, refined and engaging. Secondary nuances of mild exotic spice and menthol notes. Tannins and acidity are woven and balanced. Loiters on the close.
Points 92 TW
Tenuta Bellafonte
Pomontino
Montefalco Rosso DOC 2023
Sangiovese 80% Sagrantino 20%
Medium garnet red in colour. Sour cherry, raspberry, redcurrant, tobacco notes and floral underbrush. Concentrated on the palate, medium bodied, citrusy in character, agile and juicy. At its core, fine tannins and acidity are in harmony and balance, surrounded by ripe red fruits. Articulated on the finish.
Points 92 TW
Montioni
Montefalco Rosso DOC 2022
Sangiovese 65% Merlot 20% Sagrantino 15%
Intense ruby red in colour. Aromas include cherry, plum, wild forest berries, mild spice notes, damp forest floor, mild tobacco leaf and oaky vanilla. On the palate, rich, creamy, persistent. Huge textural depth and volume. Secondary nuances of blackberry and sweet clove. Long on the finish. Not a shy character.
Points 92 TW
Montefalco Rosso Riserva DOC:
Antonelli
Montefalco Rosso Riserva 2022
Sangiovese 80% Sagrantino 20%
Medium ruby red in colour. Aromas of dark blue petal florals, dark cherry, blackcurrant, blackberry, balsamic notes and orange peel. On the sip, rich, compact, vibrant, balanced, linear, medium to full bodied. Balanced to within a micron. Showing textural structure. Appealing. Lingers on the finish.
Points 93 TW
Romanelli
Molinetta
Montefalco Rosso Riserva 2020
Sangiovese 80% Sagrantino 20%
Medium to deep purple in colour. Aromatics of violet, lilac and bluebell florals, pipe tobacco, woodland scents, black tea and balsam. Beguiling upon entry, completely captures your attention from the start. Pulses with energy. Broad in flavour vary. Balanced. Precise and polished. Deep, rich textural resonance. Tannins have melted into the wine, only the acidity remains to drive the energy. Long and articulate on the finish. A liquid pleasure bomb.
Points 95 TW
Montefalco Sagrantino DOCG:
Le Cimate
Montefalco Sagrantino DOCG 2018
Sagrantino 100%
Intense ruby red in colour. Aromas of smoky dark berry fruits, dark chocolate, violet and lavender florals, menthol overtones, saline infusion. Intricate mineral profile in evidence. Rich, concentrated, agile and juicy on entry, captures the palate and does not let go. Elegance and poise in a liquid form. Hauntingly long on the finish.
Points 95 TW
Antonelli
Molino Dell’Attone
Montefalco Sagrantino DOCG 2020
Sagrantino 100%
Deep ruby red in colour with purple undertones. On the nose, dark ripe berry fruits, loganberry, balsamic notes, warm liquorice and blonde tobacco. Silky upon entry, almost weightless, phenomenal presence, elegant, delicate, graceful and refined. Secondary nuances containing a medley of cherry, that saturates the palate. Fruit quality off the charts. Trophy winner of a wine.
Points 96 TW
Lungarotti
Tenuta Brancalupo
Montefalco Sagrantino DOCG 2021
Sangrantino 100%
Intense and deep ruby red in colour. Bouquet of violet and rose petal florals, cherry, blackberry, plum, damson, oaky vanilla, salty liquorice and distant balsamic notes. On the palate, compelling, silky and rich in textural resonance. Full bodied. Compact. Linear. Balanced.Broadens from mid palate to a long conclusion.
Points 94 TW
Scacciadiavoli
Montefalco Sagrantino DOCG 2021
Sagrantino 100%
Medium purple in colour. Delicate aromas of red and dark wild forest berries, dark cherry, loganberry, fragrant tobacco leaf, liquorice, Sophisticated mineral nuances. On entry, melting tannins and friendly acidity. Agile, expressive, sweet classic accents. Tapers slightly from mid palate to a long finish.
Points 93 TW
Montefalco Sagrantino Passito DOCG:
Romanelli
Cocré
Montefalco Sagrantino Passito DOCG 2019
Sagrantino 100%
Intense purple in colour. Highly perfumed aromas of blackberry fruits, cassis, dried herbs and, damson, white pepper. On the sip, liquid blackcurrant syrup, concentrated yet balanced and non cloying. Leaves a clean mouthfeel. Impressive.
Points 93 TW
Scacciadiavoli
Montefalco Sagrantino Passito DOCG 2021
Sagrantino 100%
Deep purple in colour with bramble Indian ink highlights. Morello cherry in spirit, blackcurrant jam, damson and dewberry and exotic spice notes, such as cinnamon and star anise. On the palate, compact, intense and indulgent, full bodied, sweet tannins and friendly acidity have almost completely their work .On the back end, beguiling and utterly special.
Points 94 TW
Acknowledgement
My sincere thanks for the invitation to this exceptionally engaging event, promoted by the Comune di Montefalco and professionally organised by Serena Valeriani and her team at
Miriade & Partners S.r.l. ( www.miriadeweb.it )
for the
Consorzio Tutela Vini Montefalco ( consorziomontefalco.it ).
© Tony Wood Italian Wine 2026
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