The Sagrantino grape variety has been cultivated in the Montefalco area, in Umbria, since the Middle Ages. The first records date back to the year 1100, and there are two different theories regarding its origin. The first suggests it came from Asia Minor, brought to Umbria by Franciscan friars. The second theory considers it of Greek origin, introduced by Byzantine monks. In any case, the history of Sagrantino is closely tied to the significance of religious communities in Umbria, and it seems that the name “Sagrantino” refers either to its sacred use during religious ceremonies or to the term “sagrestia” (sacristy), referring to spaces for clergy attached to Catholic churches. Today, the most common version of Sagrantino is the dry variety, but traditionally, a passito version was produced, tied to sacred traditions and still included in the Montefalco Sagrantino DOCG.
The rise of Sagrantino began in the 1990s, when its growing popularity transformed it from a rustic wine into a renowned red wine. Its robust structure and intense fruit notes gained traction in international markets, where there was significant demand for aromatic and full-bodied wines. Today, producers are shifting toward a less exaggerated style, emphasizing austerity and staying true to the grape’s characteristics.
Montefalco is not the only municipality in Umbria where Sagrantino is grown; it is also cultivated in Bevagna, Gualdo Cattaneo, Giano dell’Umbria, and Castel Ritaldi. The total cultivation area covers about 1,000 hectares, which is quite small for such a renowned wine, making Sagrantino deeply connected to its territory.
As a wine, Sagrantino lends itself to a variety of interpretations, with consistently high quality. The wine made from the Sagrantino grape is renowned for its intensity, concentration, and aging potential, thanks to its high polyphenolic content. Sagrantino is one of the most tannic grape varieties in the world, producing wines with a very dark purple color. On the nose, it offers aromas of red fruits, cinnamon, and earth. It has been protected under the DOCG label since 1992.
The Montefalco Sagrantino DOCG requires 100% Sagrantino grapes, with a minimum of 30 months of aging, including at least 12 months in wooden barrels, followed by an additional 4 months of bottle aging. Some producers use barriques to craft wines that align more closely with international market preferences.
