# Montefalco Rosso (2024)

- **Producer:** Arnaldo Caprai
- **Colour:** red
- **Type:** still
- **Grapes:** Sangiovese, Sagrantino, Merlot
- **Region:** Umbria, Italy
- **Style:** Classic
- **Alcohol:** 14.5%
- **Average price:** €15
- **Vegan:** Yes
- **Contains sulphites:** Yes
- **When to drink:** Now or Later
- **Serving temperature:** 16–18 °C
- **Aromas & flavours:** cherry, violet, black pepper, vanilla, cedar, nutmeg

## About this wine

Arnaldo Caprai is the landmark estate of Umbria's Montefalco region, founded in 1971 by textile entrepreneur Arnaldo Caprai. In 1988, his son Marco Caprai assumed leadership and initiated pioneering viticultural research in partnership with the University of Milan. This estate led the modern revival of Montefalco winemaking, establishing the region's global reputation. First created in 1975, the Montefalco Rosso DOC blend pairs native central Italian grape varieties with international components to produce an approachable yet deeply authentic regional red.

## Interesting facts

- Marco Caprai partnered with the University of Milan to research and save the native Sagrantino grape from extinction.
- The wine is packaged in eco-friendly 450g lightweight glass bottles to significantly reduce carbon emissions.
- Montefalco Rosso softens intense native Sagrantino by blending it with Sangiovese and Merlot.

## Food pairing

The rich tannins and vibrant acidity of Montefalco Rosso cut cleanly through rich fats and savoury proteins like pork belly and roasted lamb, while matching the depth of slow-cooked ragù sauces and aged cheeses.

## Wine making process

Grapes are harvested from hillside vineyards situated on clay and limestone matrix soils. Vinification takes place in temperature-controlled stainless steel vats with active maceration to achieve balanced phenolic extraction. Following fermentation, the wine matures for 12 months in French oak barriques, followed by a minimum of 4 months of bottle aging prior to commercial release.