Some stories are so easy to be told and appreciated: winemakers for three generations, agroforestry with geese and pure Umbria in the glass. A fascinating project, solid but never fixed on itself. Emma Di Filippo‘s reliability with an affable but evident determination transforms the tasting into a journey through a territory by means of a focused interpretative lens, as the brochure states: “Our bio-diversity among vineyards, horses and geese”.
Thirty hectares on the hills between Torgiano and Montefalco. Certified in organic farming since 1994, they have been practicing biodynamics since 2008 and now Agroforestry have been included in the name of biodiversity and of the lowest possible environmental impact.
Therefore, the tasting develops among the most typical and representative wines of the area, goose salami and meticulously chosen local products thanks to the meetings offered on the occasion of the event Anteprima Sagrantino.
di filippo tasting
First of all, the local white: Grechetto, we had both the still version (Grechetto 100% without added sulphites, 2019, with all its body and its austerity) and the sparkling one made by ancestral method (“Malafemmena”, rustic and juicy), they worked perfectly with goose salami without overdoing them. Among others, the range of whites is completed by “Farandola” (from the other local grape: Trebbiano Spoletino 100%, 2019, with the same structure but more mature and captivating) excellent with cheeses; up to the new rosé: “Terre San Nicola” (Umbria IGT 2020 from Montepulciano and Cornetta), thin and tasty, I imagine it as perfect pairing with pizza. But the reds capture my attention even more. From Montefalco rosso DOC 2018 (easy-drinking and fruity), to “Sallustio” (another Montefalco rosso DOC, 2017: more intense and tannic than the previous one but still designed around the red fruit) thanks to Barbera in the blend of Montefalco (along with the more typical Sangiovese and Sagrantino) and excellent paired to pasta with goose sauce. Both are a perfect alternative to the more structured Sagrantino of which we taste the two versions. Montefalco Sagrantino DOCG 2016, aged in barrique for 24 months ranging from sour cherry to forest floor, black pepper and licorice. Imposing structure and warm enveloping embrace for a long and penetrating finish. While “Etnico” (Montefalco Sagrantino DOCG 2016), same vine, same vintage, same vineyard, is vinified for 50% in a classic way (with medium long maceration), for the other 50% with short maceration and matures for 12 months in large barrels. Here the fruity notes are more immediate but recalling kirsch together with notes of nutmeg and coffee; on the palate it is fresh and balanced and therefore incredibly easy-drinking for its type. Both the dessert wines, Montefalco Sagrantino Passito DOCG (2015) and the Vernaccia di Cannara – Colli Martani DOC (2018), are delicious.
di filippo – tasting
