Tenuta di Saragano is certainly not new to the Umbrian wine scene (central Italy). It is just more recent the new structure that officially finds together Riccardo Pongelli Benedettoni and Ivan Vincareti for a new and even more focused company course. In 2016, in fact, this union of synergies and vineyards (already bordering) becomes official with a territorial vision that goes beyond wine production itself by including a wine-tourist offer thanks to La Ghirlanda wine resort.
tenuta di saragano
TENUTA DI SARAGANO: company overview
The compay is named after the locality Saragano (fraction of the municipality of Gualdo Cattaneo (province of Perugia, Regional Country Seat), in Montefalco wine district where one of the symbolic wines of the region is produced: the powerful and deep red Montefalco Sagrantino DOCG. An estate of 220 hectares with 6,500 olive trees plus arable land, woods and about 12 hectares of vineyards located up to 500 meters a.s.l., one of the most important altitudes in the entire Montefalco wine area. Being a single body, it is easy to imagine how much the vines are protected and, also given that most are 40 years old, also self-sufficient thus more resistant; elements that have naturally led to the organic certification. The calcareous-clayey soils favors structure and retain water reserves for the summer period. Exposures and climatic conditions (mainly mild continental) allow for a rather long and homogeneous maturation as well as important alcohol levels; ventilation is crucial for the health of the grapes.
Current production is around 35,000 bottles per year at the moment and, currently, mainly includes:
- the white “Montacchiello”
- a red IGT from Sangiovese and Merlot
- Montefalco Rosso and Montefalco Rosso Riserva
- Sagrantino di Montefalco
Some other varieties have been planted: Trebbiano Spoletino, Montepulciano and various Sangiovese clones. In addition, but not every year, the sweet Montefalco Sagrantino passito is produced too.
tenuta di saragano, the grotto
In addition to the processing in stainless steel, for whites and fermentations in general, and the maturation in small wooden casks (of second and third passage) for reds, once in the bottle, the top wines are aged in caves: in a first phase under natural stable conditions for an absolute rest and then transferred into another cave which undergoes a minimum temperature and humidity change for the purpose of a careful and slight maturation. The wines are released onto the market only when considered ready. The result is exciting: Tenuta Saragano wines show control and personality at the same time. They taste of territory and experience, passion and seasonality.
tenuta di saragano: wine tasting
TENUTA DI SARAGANO: tasting notes
For the more curious, here are some technical notes:
- MONTACCHIELLO – Montefalco Grechetto DOC 2017. 100% Grechetto, only stainless steel.
Medium golden. A developed and intense bouquet with notes of toasted hazelnut, candied citrus, preserved peach and sweet spices. On the palate is warm and velvety with flavors of yellow peach and dried fruit and a balance enriched by a savouriness. So good.
- UMBRIA ROSSO IGT 2018. Sangiovese and Merlot. Only stainless steel.
Pale ruby. Subtle nose made of notes of wild strawberries, rose water and a hint of forest floor. More rustic and responsive to grapes and territory on the palate: dry, juicy, of higher body than the nose let imagine. Ready-to-drink wine but not simple at all.
- MONTEFALCO ROSSO DOC 2015. Sangiovese, Merlot and Sagrantino; between 12 and 18 months in used French barriques.
Medium ruby. Intense nose with aromas of wet gravel, mushrooms and then blackberry, infusion of violet, licorice, dried figs and a slight touch of mint. On the palate, the tannin is still a little astringent but counterbalanced by a nice concentration and the warm note of alcohol. Slightly bitter finish.
The wine still plays “reluctantly”, probably still need some time in the bottle for a better integration. I’ll try it in some months again.
- MONTEFALCO ROSSO RISERVA DOC 2016. Same combination of grapes but with 5% more Sagrantino; 24 months in used barriques.
Still medium ruby. The nose shows clear aromas of chestnut. More developed nose compared to the previous one thanks to the longer maturation in wood with additional notes of pot-pourri. The alcohol is very well balanced, revealing itself only indirectly with notes of coffee liqueur and kirsch. It has a good potential for ageing but can surely be enjoyed right away. Harmonious, fine and complex wine.
- SAGRANTINO DI MONTEFALCO DOCG 2014. 100% Sagrantino; 24 months of used barriques (2 years and more in the bottle).
Wine of great personality and a balance which has certainly been supported by the cooler and rainier vintage which, however, at these altitudes, did not many problems.
Dense and penetrating on the nose with notes of dry leaves, humus and tobacco preceding those of paprika, blood orange, blackcurrant and a light floral touch. Incense on the finish. On the palate tannin and acidity chase each other. The tannin as it should be: firm but perfectly ripe. A harmonious and elegant wine thanks above all to a perfect definition of each individual element: a never aggressive tannin, a well-balanced freshness and a frank combination of flavors and aromas that make it sober in its complexity.
- SAGRANTINO PASSITO IGT 2019. First release, preview tasting. (Very) late harvest, only stainless steel.
Intense in color and at the nose. It smells of pomegranate, raisin, chestnut honey and brine. On the palate it is sweet enough and finds its balance in the nose-mouth consistency that is sublimated by this apparently unusual encounter between the sweetness of raisin and the aroma that recall green olives. What I then find well integrated is the tannin. Tasty and very balanced dessert wine.
