# Elettra (2023)

- **Producer:** Agricola Mevante
- **Colour:** red
- **Type:** still
- **Grapes:** Sagrantino
- **Region:** Umbria, Italy
- **Style:** Classic
- **Alcohol:** 14.0%
- **Average price:** €16
- **Contains sulphites:** Yes
- **When to drink:** Now or Later
- **Serving temperature:** 18–20 °C
- **Aromas & flavours:** plum, blackcurrant, blackberry, cherry, liquorice, vanilla, toast, cedar, chocolate

## About this wine

Agricola Mevante was founded by siblings Paolo and Antonella Presciutti, who returned to their family origins in Bevagna, Umbria. The winery name blends Mevania, the ancient Roman name for Bevagna, with Levante, referring to the east-facing vineyards. The cuvée name Elettra honors the protagonist of Elektra, performed at Bevagna historic Francesco Torti theater. Traditionally, Sagrantino requires years of cellar confinement to soften. With Elettra IGT, Mevante aims to liberate the grape variety, creating an earlier-accessible yet classic expression of Umbrian winemaking.

## Interesting facts

- Named after Elektra, honoring the annual Greek tragedy staged at Bevagna historic theater.
- Designed to liberate Sagrantino from long cellar aging, making it accessible within two years.
- A portion of the grapes undergoes appassimento drying directly on the vine prior to harvest.
- The estate name combines Mevania (ancient Bevagna) and Levante (the rising sun).

## Food pairing

The firm structural tannins and fresh acidity of Sagrantino require dishes with high protein, fat, or rich savory glazes to soften the tannin perception. Slow-cooked meats, game, and aged cheeses bind with the wine structure, while rich wine or tomato-based sauces mirror its concentration.

## Wine making process

Hand-harvested from 20-year-old Sagrantino vines grown at 250 meters elevation on clay and limestone soils. A portion of the grapes undergoes slight vine drying (appassimento) before picking to concentrate sugars and round out tannins. Fermentation and skin maceration occur in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks. The wine matures for 12 months in large French oak casks (botte grande) followed by at least six months of bottle refinement before release.