Montefalco is a medieval town in the province of Perugia, called the "balcony of Umbria" for the view its walls command over the Umbrian valley, from Assisi to Spoleto. Its hills are the home of Sagrantino, which has its own DOCG; the Montefalco DOC, recognised in 1979, gathers the area's other wines. The appellation covers the municipality of Montefalco and parts of Bevagna, Castel Ritaldi, Giano dell'Umbria and Gualdo Cattaneo. Vineyards cover about 489 hectares, with an output of 23,050 hectolitres.
The Rosso, between Sangiovese and Sagrantino
Montefalco Rosso is the DOC's best-known wine. The regulations require 60 to 80% Sangiovese and 10 to 25% Sagrantino, with other red grapes to complete. Sangiovese brings fruit and freshness, Sagrantino colour, structure and its powerful tannins. The Rosso ages for at least 18 months and cannot be released before 1 May of the second year after the harvest; the Riserva ages for at least 30 months, 12 of them in cask.
In the glass it is deep ruby, with aromas of cherry, blackberry, plum, spice and a balsamic note. The tannins are more present than in a pure Sangiovese but stay balanced: a good introduction to Sagrantino.
The whites
Montefalco Bianco requires at least 50% Trebbiano Spoletino, an old local grape distinct from Tuscan Trebbiano, savoury and able to age. The Grechetto requires at least 85% of the grape: it is Umbria's typical white, with notes of almond and yellow fruit. The appellation's minimum alcohol is 11%.
At the table
The Rosso goes with game, roasts and grilled meat, but also pasta with meat sauce, strangozzi with truffle and aged cheeses. The Bianco and the Grechetto suit pulses, torta al testo, lake fish and vegetable dishes. To the west, the hills of the Colli Martani complete the picture of the area's wines.
