"Vigneto Cerrete" Sagrantino Secco di Montefalco 2011

750ml

Overview

The "Vigneto Cerrete" Sagrantino Secco di Montefalco 2011 by Paolo Bea is a refined expression of the powerful Sagrantino grape, coming from one of the most esteemed vineyards in the Montefalco region. Known for its complex, structured wines, the "Vigneto Cerrete" is a single-vineyard offering that showcases the deep, tannic strength and concentrated fruit flavors that are characteristic of Sagrantino, while maintaining a sense of elegance and balance. The 2011 vintage has reached a stage where it offers a rich, harmonious profile with the structure to evolve further with age.

Vinification and Aging

• Fermentation: Spontaneous fermentation with native yeasts in stainless steel tanks.
• Maceration: Extended maceration on the skins for up to 30–40 days to achieve maximum extraction of tannins, color, and phenolic compounds.
• Aging: The wine is aged for approximately 24 months in large Slovenian oak barrels (botti) to integrate its intense flavors and soften the tannic structure. After oak aging, it is bottle-aged for several additional months before release.

Tasting Notes

• Appearance: Deep, inky ruby with hints of garnet, showcasing the wine's concentration and age-worthiness.
• Aroma: The nose is rich and layered, with intense aromas of dark fruit, including blackberries, black cherries, and ripe plums, intertwined with earthy notes of leather, tobacco, and wild herbs. Subtle hints of spice, such as cinnamon and clove, add depth and complexity to the bouquet.
• Palate: The wine has a full-bodied and powerful mouthfeel, with bold tannins that are still firm but well-integrated. Flavors of dark fruit, including black currant, blackberry, and dried figs, are complemented by earthy, leathery undertones and hints of licorice. The acidity is fresh, adding a sense of liveliness to balance the wine's intense structure.
• Finish: The finish is long and persistent, with lingering tannins and savory notes of dark fruit and spices. The wine leaves a lasting impression of power and elegance.

Food Pairing

Ideal with rich, meaty dishes such as braised beef, roasted lamb, wild game, and hearty stews. It also pairs wonderfully with aged cheeses, especially Pecorino or a well-matured Parmigiano Reggiano, as well as truffle-based dishes.

Serving Recommendations

• Serving Temperature: Serve at 16–18°C (61–64°F).
• Decanting: Recommended to decant for 1–2 hours before serving to allow the wine to fully open and reveal its full complexity.

Aging Potential

With its robust structure and high tannin content, this wine has great aging potential. It will continue to evolve and develop over the next 10–20 years, softening and gaining further complexity as time passes.