Had an opportunity to taste a 2006 Sagrantino di Montefalco DOCG from Di Filippo Winery in Cannara, Italy. I was searching for a wine with outrageous tannins. My scale of tannins range from zero tannins, to mild tannins, medium tannins, bold tannins and then outrageous tannins. There are also harsh tannins that are a bit of a negative. Aging often takes care of the harsh tannins. I’ve grown to like wines made from the Tannat grape, a black inky wine with those outrageous tannins. Now, I found another grape that has a purple inky color with outrageous tannins.

Sagrantino is an Italian grape indigenous to the Umbria region of Montefalco. Although there is small to no success in growing this grape elsewhere, it is home to the hilly area of Montefalco. The soils in these vineyards are sand, limestone and clay. Although this variety is relatively unknown, make an effort to check it out.

The aroma and tastes offer plum and cinnamon. The finish has outrageous tannins. One can feel the tannins on your teeth as your lips begin to pucker. This is a great wine paired with beef dishes.

Cheers,
Terry