WINEDERLUST

Forget Super Tuscan, drink Super Umbrian Posted on 9 Jun 14:00 , 0 comments


We have all heard about the famous Super-Tuscan wines.

Usually a blend of Sangiovese and other international grape varieties made in an international style (referring to the usage of small French oak barriques, often new wood, with plenty of upfront robust fruit).

I have respect for these wines and their producers - they went against the grain, and produced products that have now gained a superb reputation. The thing is though, these wines cost a small fortune, and with our exchange rate suffering the way it is means that they are actually bordering on exorbitant.

I have good news! You can try a Super Umbrian blend from a region bordering Tuscany. Umbria is famous for its robust wines made from Sagrantino grapes - a grape varietal that grows only around the hilltop town of Montefalco. The grape produces tannic, heavy masculine wines. It is a powerful wine deep in purple and ruby colours.

Montefalco Rosso is the new addition to your wine-bucket list. It is primarily a blend with 60 to 70 percent Sangiovese (the grape made famous in Tuscany with Chianti and Brunello), 10 to 15 percent Sagrantino and the remainder other red varietals. 

The not-to-miss Super Umbrians in our collection:

Adanti Montefalco Rosso 2010 - a blend of 70% Sangiovese, 15% Sagrantino and 15% a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot.

Tabarrini Montefalco Rosso 2011 - made in a riserva style with a blend of Sangiovese, Sagrantino and Barbera.