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Blast From the Past: A Journey to the History of Sagrantino Wine

Because wine-making has been one of the world’s oldest professions, it is inevitable that many grape or wine varieties acquire histories of their own, which are reflective of the development of the society from which a particular grape wine variety originated. Because it enjoys the venerated stature of being Italy’s most ancient wine, it is inevitable that the Sagrantino di Montefalco have a rich history as well. This article provides the reader with a brief overview into the complex yet vibrant history of the Sagrantino wine, which may be of particular interest to winemakers and enthusiasts everywhere.

Characterized by a 14-degree alcohol content and protracted aging process, the Sagrantino wine is produced in the towns of Bevagna, Gualdo Cattaneo, Castel Ritardi, Giano, and Montefalco, all within Umbria, Italy. The wine itself is famous for its unique mixture of flavor, ranging from wild cherry syrup to sweet spices mixed with cacao to hints of vanilla.

The history of the Sagrantino di Montefalco echoes its unique and complex flavor. For instance, the source of the Sagrantino grape itself is unclear, with some sources pointing to Greeks who brought it when they came to Umbria, while others insist that Franciscan friars were the ones responsible for bringing it. Some even claim that it was St. Francis de Assisi who brought the grape from his journey through the Middle East and Asia Minor, while still others claim that it is indigenous to the area.

The first official record of the Sagrantino di Montefalco was done by the Foligno Ampelographic Commission as early as 1879, while there are obscure records of thriving vineyards in Montefalco as early as the 11^th century, though it is unclear if the wines produced then were genuine Sagrantino Wines. However, the emergence of new wine varieties and the general obscurity of the Montefalco area greatly contributed to the decline of the popularity of the Sagrantino, up to the point that it was almost unknown by the end of the 1960’s, with only a few faithful growers still planting Sagrantino grapes, most particularly Fratelli Adanti .

Fortunately for wine enthusiasts and connoisseurs everywhere, the Sagrantino di Montefalco was rediscovered in 1971 with the opening of the Caprai winery. And in 1979, the Sagrantino di Montefalco was finally granted DOC (acronym for Denominazione di Origine Controllata) status, a move which served to revitalize interest in this particular wine variety. Nowadays, the Sagrantino di Montefalco is of DOCG (acronym for Denominazione di Origine Controllata e Garantita) status, the most prominent category of Italian wine denominations. It is also considered as one of the most prestigious wine varieties, with thousands of wine enthusiasts making the pilgrimage to Umbia for the chance to taste a sip of genuine Sagrantino Wine.

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A Look on the Corvina Grape Wine

More widely known as either Corvina Veronese or Cruina, the Corvina grape wine is a particular grape wine variety that is commonly cultivated in the Veneto region of northeast Italy. This grape wine is made from Corvina grapes, a small variety that is known for having a dark blue-black color. These grapes are infamous for being hard to grow and cultivate yet remain as one of the most sought-after varieties because of its strong exquisite flavor. Winemakers and grape growers everywhere also appreciate the fact that Corvina grapes are more resistant to rot if compared to other grape varieties.

The Corvina has long been used to make wine, in fact documents written by Cassiodoro (Visigoth King Theodorus magistrate) dating as  early as the sixth century describe a sweet wine produced using half dried grapes from Verona. Historians conclude that this “straw wine” made from drying grapes in straw mats were in fact earlier versions  of Amarone or Recioto wines made from Corvina grapes. Historical evidence also shows that Lombard King Rotari even passed an official proclamation that prevented Corvina grapes from being pulled or harvested without permission. Corvina-based wines were also the primary export product in Venice before the Ottoman embargo. The Corvina-based wines even survived the devastating effects of the 19^th century Phylloxera crisis which crippled many wineries and grape plantations.

Today, there are pure Corvina wines, although it is more common to see Corvina grapes blended and mixed with other grape varieties in order to make wines such as Bardolino, Valpolicella and Amarone. The famous Valpolicella wine is made up of 85% Corvina grapes, with alcohol content making up most of the remainder. Some types of sweet sparkling wines available in the market are also Corvina-based. The most renowned brands of Corvina-based wines include the Vigna Corvina Cerasuolo, the Vigna Corvina Montepulciano and the Vigna Corvina Trebbiano.

Corvina grapes usually generate wines with a medium body and flavor and with a crimson color. The grapes have naturally high acidity levels which produce wines that are commonly tart to the taste buds, with a hint of almond or sour cherry. The Corvina-based Valpolicella wine has several subtypes, depending on the manner by which the wine was produces, such as Amarone, Ripasso and the sweet dessert wine Recioto. The type of the Valpolicella often determines the ideal companion to the wine. For instance, the Amarone is ideal for heart dishes while the Reicioto Della Valpolicella’s strong fruity flavor makes it an ideal companion to pastries and other sweet desserts.

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Fiano De Avelino: A Wine From Campania Italy

Fiano De Avelino, one of Campania, Italy’s trademark wines is a dry white wine that is produced from grapes called Fiano. This particular grape variety is said to be one of the oldest grown varieties in the word, with the ancient Greeks and Romans both enjoying its strong flavor. In fact, the ancient Romans were the ones who first named this variety vitis apiana, referring to the fact that bees (or api, in Roman terms) were inevitably attracted to the grape’s sweet pulp. The 19^th and early 20^th centuries saw the steady decline of interest in the growth and production of the Fiano De Avelino since the Fiano grapes from which the wine is sourced tends to have very little juice and low yields if compared to other grape varieties such as the Trebbiano and Sangiovese. Fortunately, the modernization of the wine industry and the resurgence of interest in classical and indigenous wine have invigorated the production of the Fiano De Avelino, making it one of the most sought-after varieties in the world today.

The Fiano De Avelino is a DOCG wine that is largely produced in the Italian region of Campania, which is located south of Lazio and north of Calabria Italy. Campania is home to Mount Vesuvius and Pompeii which contributes to the area’s rich, volcanic soil, making it ideal for the production of grapes and other agricultural products.

In order to be classified as a genuine Fiano de Avelino, the wine must contain at least eighty-five percent Fiano grapes, with Greco, Codo di Volpe, Trebbiano di Toscano grape varieties making up the remaining 15%. Wine enthusiasts and professional wine tasters often categorize the Fiano de Avelino as a dry white wine with medium body and flavor. The color of the wine evokes the image of yellow summer straw, while the taste is often associated with hazelnuts. However, a wide variety of flavors are said to emerge during the wine’s aging process, including hints of white peaches, pears, herbs and honey, white flowers tropical fruit, or even oranges, smoke, or sea salt.

As for the smell, the Fiano de Avelino is said to evoke the smells of pine needles and lemon, green herbs and pine nuts. The famous wine connoisseurs Bastianich and Lynch once referred to the flavor of Fiano de Avelino as “pesto in a bottle” in their Vino Italiano, although the most common consensus regarding its taste is often that of hazelnuts and pine. The Fiano is often recommended as a companion to seafood dishes or to pizza margherita.

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Vino Cotto Wine Products

Vino cotto wine products, loosely translated as cooked wine generally refers to wine varieties produced in Marche, Abruzzo and Calabria in Southern Italy. These types of wine are usually produced by individuals for their personal use rather than for profit or commercial interests. However, vino cotto wines have enjoyed rising popularity among wine enthusiasts and wine collectors, generally due to the exposure given by established chefs who use vino cotto wines in their signature recipes. This article provides the reader a brief overview of vino cotto wine products produced by one of the most well-known wineries in Australia, the IL Baronello.

According to the company’s website, the process of making a superb vino cotto wine differs slightly from that used in making conventional wines like the Super Tuscan, the Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Syrah.

The first step in producing high quality vino cotto wine lies in the selection of excellent late harvest grapes which are then pressed. The juice extracted from these grapes, hereon referred to as the grape ‘must’ is then slowly cooked in a copper vessel over low heat for over fifteen hours. After this, the grape must inevitably turn syrupy and thick, signaling the start of the fermentation process. The syrup is stocked up and aged in storage for months before it is finally bottled. The final product is often ruby red in appearance, containing no additional ingredients such as sugar or other preservatives. Il Baronello boasts of having pure unadulterated grape vino cotto wines with no alcohol content, thus adhering to a century-old recipe that was supposedly handed down for three generations.

Il Baronello offers a wide variety of vino cotto products, from Vino Cotto Original which has a distinctive sweet flavor with a trace of dark berries and is often used for cooking. On the other hand, there is also Vino Cotto with Fig, which is basically a version of the vino cotto original that has been added with ample dried figs. The nutty flavor of this particular wine makes it an ideal companion to quail and duck dishes, Parmigiano Reggiano cheese, proscuitto, pear and hazelnut salsa, salad and desserts.

The Vino Cotto with Apple meanwhile mixes the flavor of vino cotto original with fresh apples thereby resulting in a heady mix with a sweet apple fragrance. This variety is an ideal companion to pork dishes and sweet treats. The last vino cotto variety, the Vino Cotto with Quince, makes use of the original vino cotto wine and infuses it with the fruity flavor of quince. This unique blend is a must for fruit tarts, panna cotta, mascarpone mousse or a cheese platter.

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Italian Wines Sold Under $25

Because of the recent global financial crisis that has led to volatile markets and deteriorating working conditions, more and more people are looking for ways to save up on money and other resources. Most people are now cutting back on luxurious purchases and are sticking to basic commodities and services in an effort to cut back on household expenses. However, just because one is saving money does not have to mean that one cannot enjoy some of the finer things in life, such as a good wine. Cheap Italian wines can seem like an oxymoron, even sacrilegious to some wine enthusiasts, and yet this article offers the reader a partial list of Italy’s finest wines sold for under $25.

For those who wish to sip Northern Italian wines, one can choose from the 2005 Formentini Pinot Grigio for $16, the 2005 J. Hofstätter Pinot Bianco for $18, the 2006 Maculan Pino & Toi  sold for only $12, the citrusy 2005 Allegrini Soave for a mere $14 or the light-bodied 2006 Cavalchina Bardolino, also for $14. On the other hand, for a taste of genuine wines from Central Italy, one can always turn to Tuscany’s 2005 Capezzana Conti Contini Sangiovese. For a mere $10, you are given a taste of wine produced by one of the most established wineries in Tuscany, the Capezzana Wine Estate.

Talking about wines may not be as relevant as when discussing about serious health issues but for frugal wine enthusiasts who like tasting good wine, finding affordable but tasty Italian wines is surely worth their time.

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Touring Around Tuscan Wine Estates

Located on the Italian west coast near the Tyrrhenian Sea, Tuscany is one of the most famous tourist spots in the world. Apart from being home to famed Renaissance art in Florence, Tuscany indisputably remains as one of the best wine regions in the whole world, especially the wine-producing Chianti region. This article aims to provide the reader and the wine enthusiast several useful tips in touring around the Tuscan wine estates.

First, the potential tourist or visitor must understand that locals are very passionate about their wine-making tradition. As producers of the Super Tuscan and Brunello wine varieties that have afforded the country great international fame, it is understandable that local residents be proud of their quality wines.

If you are looking to visit Tuscany and explore the different wines that this area offers, keep in mind to “taste and spit”, because unless you have a designated driver for the day, you will have difficulty declining all the superb varieties of wine that are available from a wide array of wineries.

Also, remember that Tuscany retails its old-school small town ambiance and charm, so do not be surprised to find that the area has long twisting roads with a ton of signs so be sure to bring along a trustworthy and detailed road map before venturing out to drive in the Tuscan countryside. Also, do keep in mind that there are usually no signs pointing out a Tuscan winery, so be sure to ask directions from a local resident or to do some research online for directions before setting out for your winery of choice.

Moreover, keep in mind that learning some basic Italian expressions will be a must for touring in Tuscany as most local residents do not speak fluent English. Nonetheless, non-Italian speaking tourists are apt to have an easier time in the wineries because most wineries offer a brochure in English.

There are some small wineries that maintain small shops where one can purchase a bottle of the estate’s wine, usually accompanied by a bottle of extra virgin olive oil marked “Vendita Diretta”. For those who want to go about tasting the wines, remember that wine tastings are either free or can be had for a reasonable fee. There are some big wineries in Tuscany that offer organized tours and tastings to tourists but these are usually booked in advance, so be sure to check online first. Also, wineries often require visitors to make appointments before coming so be sure to do that too. For choices on which wineries to visit, do check the area’s Consorzio or to visit the websites of the different Tuscan wineries.

 

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