What kind of wine is Montefalco Sagrantino DOCG 'Collepiano' 2021 - Arnaldo Caprai

The Montefalco Sagrantino DOCG 'Collepiano' 2021 - Arnaldo Caprai is born in the heart of Umbria, from one of the most emblematic grape varieties of the territory: Sagrantino. This red wine is the authentic expression of the passionate work of the Arnaldo Caprai winery, a pioneer in the renaissance of this denomination. It presents itself as a wine of great personality, structured and profound, yet elegant and harmonious. It is designed for those seeking a full-bodied, intense red, capable of evolving over time while always maintaining its balance.

Vintage Details

The 2021 vintage was characterized by balanced weather conditions, with warm days and cool nights that favored homogeneous ripening of the grapes. The harvest, carried out by hand towards the end of September, allowed for the selection of perfectly ripe bunches, contributing to exceptional fruit quality. The result is a wine with rich aromas, powerful yet silky tannins, and a freshness that promises a long life in the bottle.

Winemaking and Aging

After a long maceration on the skins – a phase in which the must remains in contact with the solid parts of the grape to extract color, aroma, and structure – the wine ferments at a controlled temperature. This is followed by an aging period of about 22 months in oak barriques, which imparts complexity and softness, and further rest in the bottle before commercialization. This balance between wood and fruit is what makes 'Collepiano' an intense Sagrantino, yet perfectly dosed in its components.

Tasting Notes

The Montefalco Sagrantino DOCG 'Collepiano' 2021 - Arnaldo Caprai is a wine that captivates at first glance and fully reveals itself on the nose and palate, with a powerful but never excessive structure.

Color

In the glass, it presents a deep ruby red with violet reflections, indicative of youth and concentration. The consistency is evident, a sign of its extractive richness.

Nose

On the nose, aromas of ripe red fruit – such as blackberry and plum – stand out, followed by hints of sweet spices, vanilla, and light balsamic notes. The balance between fruity and spicy notes is impeccable, a sign of well-calibrated oak aging.

Palate

On the palate, it is full and enveloping, with a decisive yet fine tannin that supports the structure without being intrusive. The good freshness balances the strength of the sip, providing a long, complex, and persistent finish, with returns of fruit in spirits and dark chocolate.

What to pair with Montefalco Sagrantino DOCG 'Collepiano' 2021 - Arnaldo Caprai

This wine finds its perfect balance alongside rich and flavorful dishes, where its structure can best express itself. Ideal with:

• grilled or braised red meats
• wild boar and stewed game
• aged cheeses and Umbrian pecorino cheeses
• traditional dishes like strangozzi with hare sauce or tagliatelle with ragù

Also excellent as a meditation wine, to be enjoyed alone to appreciate its evolution in the glass.

Storage and aging: how to store Montefalco Sagrantino DOCG 'Collepiano' 2021 - Arnaldo Caprai

To fully enhance its qualities, it is recommended to store Montefalco Sagrantino 'Collepiano' 2021 in a cool place, with a constant temperature between 12 and 16 °C, away from light and heat sources. Its great evolutionary potential allows for bottle aging of 10-15 years, during which it will develop increasingly complex aromas and softer tannins. Before serving, it is advisable to uncork the bottle at least an hour beforehand or use a decanter to promote oxygenation and the expression of its aromas. A collectible wine, capable of thrilling today and surprising over the years with its extraordinary longevity.