Those who know in person Giampaolo Tabarrini, fonder of Tabarrini winery an current president of the Consorzio Tutela Vini Montefalco, need no explanation about the delicate balance that has been sublimated with the new and technological cellar. On social media I would have written: “a touch of contemporary technology that does not betray territory and quality” because his eclectic personality, to be filtered and taken as it is, is the glue between quality and the much sought-after ability to communicate.
Just think of the marketing of the empty bottle of Piantagrero Rosso Umbria IGT (2016) with photos of Giampaolo and Falsini desperate on the label for the bad harvest (read: 21g).
piantagrero tabarrini
Founded in 1998, 16 hectares of eco-sustainable viticulture, about 70 thousand bottles a year, in Turrita locality of Montefalco area, heart of the denomination by extension and position of the 5 municipalities that fall within the production area of the Montefalco and Montefalco Sagrantino denominations since the first delimitation registered in 1979 with the recognition of the DOC (in 1992, Sagrantino achieved the DOCG).
Giampaolo is supported by his family, his partner, the internal winemaker Meniconi and the consultant Falsini together with a team of collaborators who are part of a project.
On the occasion of the last Sagrantino 2018 Preview, held last May 2022, the pretext was optimal to open some old vintages, of reds and whites, the most representative ones.
ADARMANDO Umbria Bianco IGT 2014
(100% Trebbiano Spoletino, only stainless steel)
In amazing shape as usual. Green gold in colour with a rich bouquet: lychee, preserved peach, candied citron and puffs of kerosene. Full and balanced, with a long savory finish, still young.
adarmando 2014 tabarrini
BOCCATONE Montefalco Rosso DOC 2013
(60% Sangiovese, 25% Barbera, 15% Sagrantino; maceration for over a month, 24 months in French oak barrels).
Garnet in colour. Intense on the nose with aromas of black fruits and dried herbs then white pepper, dark chocolate. Round, structured, integrated tannins, fruity and clean finish.
BOCCATONE Montefalco Rosso DOC 2017
Given the hot year there is more Sangiovese and less Sagrantino.
Deep ruby. Still closed to the nose with floral notes of rose and ripe berries. The alcohol is high due to the heat but well integrated thanks to the good concentration and the ripeness of tannins along with a refreshing touch.
COLLE GRIMALDESCO – Montefalco Sagrantino DOCG 2001
(First Sagrantino produced by the winery, 100% Sagrantino, over 1 month of maceration, at least 36 months in big French oak barrels and 12 in bottle)
Bright garnet. Complex and deep nose with notes of macerated black cherry, forest floor, coffee, bitter cocoa on a balsamic background. On the palate the tannin is firm but ripe and much more integrated. Long finish, excellent quality with a great potential for ageing.
After all, they are known for late harvests, also supported by the winds breezing from Foligno, for a “natural selection” effect.
