The wines of Sagrantino Di Montefalco are a true discovery and although this area has a history that is rich in wine the leading producer in this region is a relative newcomer to the region Arnaldo Caprai. In 1971 Arnaldo Caprai, a successful textile businessman, bought the Val di Maggio estate to fulfill his dream of producing his own wine. He started off with only five hectares, but as time went by he believed more and more in the great potential of the local variety Sagrantino and bought more of the surrounding land. In 1988 his son Marco Caprai started managing the winery and with his passion and determination gives the necessary impetus for the production of top quality wines. Since 1991 the Caprai’s have made huge investments into the acquisition of new vineyards, scientific research, technological innovation. Their efforts yielded results almost immediately and in its last six editions the Italian Guide to Wines published by Gambero Rosso and Slow Food Arcigola has awarded the prestigious Three Glasses to Caprai's Sagrantino 25 anni. Many other important recognitions have since been awarded to the winery, including the Super Three stars of Veronelli (awarded to wines that have reached levels of excellence for many years consecutively) and the Oscar of Wine as Best Producer of the Year awarded by the Italian Association of Sommelier. We met, and discuss wines of the world and his particular winemaking skills, by far one of the most adventurer enologist that I ever met from Tuscany south. Using French Oak barriques, his blends are from Sagrantino, Sangiovese, Cilegiolo and Merlot grapes.

By the way, the D.O.C.G laws in Umbria allows these hierarchy wines to use any international grape varietal in the blend, by only 15%. Marco Caprai explained that his Merlot vines have been planted in his property since early 1920. Remember the movie. "My house in Umbria", and a bottle of his wines; you really want to take the Alitalia flight now (but run through the winery first!) You'll fall in love with his wines as I did.........look for his Sagrantino de Montefalco, Montefalco Rosso, or 25 Anni,(an I.G.T denomination) (25 anniversary of the winery) and you'll find out that what you pay for its worth. Few notes; Deep ruby red wines, brilliant color, scent of all spice and vanilla hints, somewhat floral, rounder tannin, cocoa and berry jam flavors, figs, dates, with the elegance and length of a Cru wine, a muscular wine relentless in your palate!!

If you don't live in Florida, as they are not sold here in my home state, get a bottle. Not even in your wildest dreams you'll get quality wines at that price! The region that has being making wine for more than 3.000 years today has an innovator and his name is Marco Caprai, for him tradition doesn't apply, only good palates as yours!

P.S. For the ones that love old time movies, The Secret of Santa Christina was based in Assisi and Montefalco towns. Anthony Quinn, was playing the mayor of the town; trying to hide the secret; the wines of Montefalco....


Salud!!