Sagrantino grape
Sagrantino is a red grape known for blackberry, plum, spice. Its best-known homes are Umbria.
Origin and history
Native to Montefalco in Umbria; its origins are obscure, and it was long made mainly as a sweet passito wine for religious festivals.
Where it grows
Almost entirely around Montefalco in Umbria (Montefalco Sagrantino DOCG), with a few trial plantings in Australia and California.
Structure
Full body, deep colour, high acidity and some of the highest tannin levels of any grape in the world.
Aromas, young and aged
Young: blackberry, black plum, cinnamon, clove and earth. With age: dried fruit, leather, tobacco and liquorice.
Ageing
Dry Montefalco Sagrantino needs 8–10 years and can age 20 or more.
Good to know
Montefalco Sagrantino DOCG must be aged at least 37 months, including 12 in wood; the sweet Passito style is still made.
Wine regions for Sagrantino
Sagrantino wines to try
Real bottles from The Wine Library.
Arnaldo Caprai Sagrantino di Montefalco 25 Anni
Umbria · Montefalco Sagrantino · Sagrantino
Powerful and tannic: blackberry, plum, cocoa and spice; needs time.
Food: Wild boar, game stews, pecorino
Similar red grapes
Explore all grapes in the interactive guide
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