Caprai Montefalco Rosso 2016

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Buy six or more pay $17.99

90 pts Wine Advocate / 91 pts James suckling / 90 pts Wine & Spirits

70% Sangiovese, 15% Sagrantino, 15% Merlot

Sagrantino is a grape indigenous to the Umbria region of Italy which adjoins Tuscany to the East and South. It has been growing in the region for over 400 years, but nearly disappeared from vineyards in the 1960s. Why? Sagrantino is known for its intense tannins and assertive, brambly black fruit and smoke flavors. It was only with modern winemaking methods that the tannins could be tamed. The Caprai family has been at the forefront of the grape’s resurgence, culminating with the promotion of Montefalco Sagrantino to DOCG status in 1992.

While 15% of the blend may seem like a trifle, it is plenty enough to add a firm backbone to this wine. The Merlot adds black plum and mid-palate weight to the classic rose and lavender scented Sangiovese. Classic tart cherry flavors are buoyed by Sagrantino’s bittersweet chocolate notes on the finish. While weighty in body, the wines 14% alcohol keeps everything playing along nicely.

The winery suggests Tagliatelle with goose sauce… using “backyard goose.” Um… well… How ‘bout we settle for pasta with meat sauce? That will work. Oooooohhh… you know what would be awesome? This recipe from Lidia Bastianich for Pappardelle with Duck Sugo. I’ve made it many times and it is delish! Click on the pic for a recipe.

91 Points James Suckling Very powerful and tannic with ripe blackberry and elderberry aromas. This has good enough harmony to be good with cassoulet and other hearty winter dishes.

90 Points Wine & Spirits A blend of sangiovese with 15 percent each of sagrantino and merlot, this wine has dense flavors of dark plum and bitter chocolate brightened by notes of leafy herbs and juicy red cherry.

90 Points Robert Parker's Wine Advocate The bouquet on the 2016 Montefalco Rosso is very floral and bright with aromas of wild rose and lavender that feel etched and pronounced in this vintage. The Sangiovese element was slightly reduced in this blend, and the Sagrantino component does come through loud and clear. I notice it especially in the firmness and tightness of the mouthfeel.


Or reply. The wine will be available Wednesday in both stores.