"Vigneto Cerrete" Sagrantino Secco di Montefalco 2011

750ml

Overview

The 2017 vintage of Paolo Bea's "Vigneto Cerrete" Sagrantino Secco di Montefalco is a wine that highlights the intensity and complexity of the Sagrantino grape, which is indigenous to the Montefalco region of Umbria. Known for producing wines with deep structure, firm tannins, and excellent aging potential, this wine captures the essence of the terroir, with the unique characteristics of the vineyard expressed through careful, biodynamic winemaking. The 2017 vintage shows a slightly more approachable profile while maintaining the concentration and power typical of Sagrantino.

Vinification and Aging

• Fermentation: Spontaneous fermentation with native yeasts in stainless steel tanks, allowing for a natural expression of the fruit.
• Maceration: Extended maceration on the skins for 30–40 days to extract maximum tannins, color, and aromas.
• Aging: The wine undergoes aging in large Slovenian oak barrels (botti) for about 24 months, followed by bottle aging to ensure the wine reaches optimal maturity before release.

Tasting Notes

• Appearance: Deep, dark ruby red with a hint of garnet at the rim, a reflection of its youth and concentrated nature.
• Aroma: The nose is intense, offering rich aromas of dark fruit such as black cherries, plums, and dried figs, along with earthy and herbal undertones of leather, tobacco, and balsamic notes. There is also a touch of spice, with hints of clove, cinnamon, and black pepper, adding complexity to the bouquet.
• Palate: The palate is full-bodied and structured, with firm tannins that provide a solid backbone for the rich flavors of dark berries, black currant, and licorice. There is an earthiness to the wine, with flavors of leather, dried herbs, and hints of dark chocolate. The acidity is well-balanced, providing freshness and lift to the dense, powerful structure of the wine.
• Finish: The finish is long and persistent, with the tannins lingering and leaving a satisfying note of dark fruit, spices, and earthy tones.

Food Pairing

This wine pairs beautifully with hearty, flavorful dishes such as roasted lamb, wild boar, braised meats, or aged cheeses. It also complements dishes featuring mushrooms or truffles, where the earthy elements of the wine align with the umami flavors of these ingredients.

Serving Recommendations

• Serving Temperature: Best served at 16–18°C (61–64°F) to allow the wine to express its full range of aromas and flavors.
• Decanting: Decant for 1–2 hours before serving to help the wine open up and soften its tannins.

Aging Potential

Given its robust structure and high tannin content, this wine has excellent aging potential. It will continue to evolve over the next 10–20 years, with its tannins softening and its flavors becoming more integrated and complex over time.