A PORTRAIT OF THE WINERY

If it is difficult to say what Sagrantino would have been like if it had not been for the Caprai family, then it is almost impossible to imagine the Montefalco district and its iconic wine without the illuminated, pioneering and revolutionary actions of its most illustrious winery. Founded in 1971 by textile magnate Arnaldo Caprai, the winery took a decisive turn when his son Marco took over the reins in the 1980s. He immediately understood the potential of Sagrantino, the importance of its tradition and the possibility of relaunching it as a “modern” wine. His immense dedication brought about massive changes to all of its sectors: from the application of modern production methods and management, to research, communications and marketing. If the territory-identity label carries any weight in Montefalco, if Sagrantino wine has emerged from being a tiny and forgotten, almost folkloristic, winemaking area, much of the credit must be given to this family and its heroic efforts.

THE VINEYARD AND TERROIR

The estate today covers 150 hectares, 136 of which are vineyards. The mostly clayey substance of the soil gives the wines its richness, its bright colour and characteristic longevity. The limestone in the ground favours an ideal alcohol content and all of the intense aromas it exudes. The continental climate alternates between warm dry summers and surprisingly cold winters.

THE GRAPE VARIETIES GROWN

It goes without saying that sagrantino is the most important grape the winery grows and gives all its attention to. The varietal is also the object of ongoing research. But the vineyards also grow other fine black grapes sangiovese, merlot, cabernet sauvignon, canaiolo and pinot nero. Grechetto and trebbiano spoletino are among the white grapes grown.

WINES

Their Montefalco Sagrantino 25 anni is the cornerstone of the appellation. It was the one that, before all others, demonstrated the district’s potential and its ability to play on par with the “big boys” in Tuscany and beyond. Its blend of fruit and spices is magnificent, deeply intense with a full-bodied flavour that is powerful and lingering. It has endless aging capabilities, it is almost an immortal wine. Their Sagrantino collEpiano is also grand, and the paSSito is delicious. The other wines they produce are also truly superior, starting with various versions of MontEfalco roSSo.