A PORTRAIT OF THE WINERY

The land owned by the Botti family stretches out along the southern slopes of a range that dominates the Umbrian valley between Assisi and Spoleto, just three kilometers from Montefalco, the birthplace of Sagrantino. It lies not far from an archaeological area where the Saracen troops of Federico II passed and where the Via Flaminia of the high Middle Ages can still be traced. It was the early 1900s when the Bottis came to this magical and historical landscape, and since then they have been its faithful custodians, jealously guarding their most precious belongings, among them the sagrantino grapevines and the wines culled from them. Only a portion of the grapes harvested here is turned into wine, in the most traditional of ways, at the small family winery. They are faithful to what Virgil once wrote – “Praise the large farms but cultivate a small one.

THE VINEYARD AND TERROIR

Some nine hectares of their land are covered in vineyards, all belonging to the area’s main appellation. It boasts a southern exposure that is well ventilated and enjoys the required thermal excursions of the seasons. The ground itself is loose, made up of river pebbles and sand alternating with clayey patches.

THE GRAPE VARIETIES GROWN

The dominant grape is sagrantino, followed by sangiovese, merlot, a small amount of cabernet sauvignon and some grechetto.

WINES

Their Montefalco Sagrantino, the most important of the winery’s labels and the area’s historical wine, is made both as a PaSSito and as a Secco. The former is made with grapes that have been left to raisinate in the traditional manner and is sweet and voluptuous with a powerful aroma of jams. The latter is rich and satisfying, potent and meaty with robust but well-rounded tannin.