Arnaldo Caprai, Montefalco Sagrantino DOCG (Umbria, Italy) 2009

I had the pleasure of visiting Arnaldo Caprai in 2008 — it’s a first rate facility that almost single-handedly brought Sagrantino to the world stage as Umbria’s signature variety. Lucky us!  If you’re familiar with, and a fan of, some of California’s classic old vineyard Petite Sirah, you’ll love this wine. It’s classic Sagrantino all the way, with the tannic structure to age for twenty years without blinking.  It’s very dry, with a sexy mix of black fruit, red fruit, saddle, and brown spice.  As wines of this massive size go, it’s quite elegant. Very well made wine.