Fruit
Earth
Acid
Body
Tannins
Cantina Scacciadiavoli has been producing wine since the late 19th century working closely with its most important indigenous varietal Sagrantino from the Montefalco region, an area where this grape thrives best. Sagrantino is Italy’s most tannic wine and is often studied for health reasons since it happens to be the red that’s richest in antioxidant levels. Modern innovations in winemaking techniques have allowed for a more approachable introduction to Sagrantino, which would normally take decades for the wines to begin to soften. Bold dark fruit notes of blackberry compote, fig preserves, blend well with earthy notes of forest floor, tobacco leaf, and hints of baking spices. The acidity is well balanced and not overshadowed by its brawny concentrated body, it persists through its grippy tannic conclusion that leave pleasantly sweet notes of plums, sage and incense on the spicy finish. A nicely layered wine to warm up with this winter. To my knowledge, this is the only wine named after a particular village’s local exorcist.
Country
Italy
Sub-Region
Montefalco Sagrantino
Region
Umbria
Varieties
Sagrantino
Farming
Sustainable
Soil
Clay, sand
Winemaking
Fermented in French oak vats, aged in a combination of small and large French oak barrels (15% new) for 24 months followed by a minimum of 12 months in bottle before release.