Umbria

"The first map for Montefalco, Sagrantino and its growing areas. Precise, detailed, indispensable. Until about thirty years ago, Umbria was known above all for the white wines of Orvieto and the red wines of Torgiano, but today it can be said that the wines of Montefalco, especially Sagrantino, have not only carved out a certain place for themselves in the overall oenological panorama of the region, but have actually become a regional point of reference." Alessandro Masnaghetti

Design: printed on both sides, the front features a detailed map of the Montefalco appellation, vineyard by vineyard, including the demarcation of the production zones. The reverse side contains a description of the region and interesting information about the production area and its most prestigious crus. Coloured 3D maps, divided into sectors, complete this compact map.

Size: DIN A4 or 59 x 84 cm (unfolded)

Alessandro Masnaghetti is a veteran of the Italian wine industry. The journalist has worked for renowned publications such as Guido Vini d'Italia L'Espresso and Luigi Veronelli's renowned wine guide. He has also published numerous articles and tasting reports, for example in the New York Times and the Revue du Vin de France. For some years now,

Alessandro has been working closely with the land registry offices and consortia of the most famous wine-growing regions to publish what is still a unique cartographic compilation of Italy's most important wine regions, which continues to provide even the most well-travelled, well-read and wine-savvy Italian connoisseur with new insights. A must for all lovers of Italian wines who want to experience and learn about the true diversity and strength of the Italian wine world, right down to the smallest individual vineyard of each appellation. SUPERIORE.DE

Bright, light golden yellow in colour. Ripe stone fruit, dried fruit and yellow flowers on the nose, with hints of white pepper on the finish. Fresh and juicy on the palate, well-balanced, full-bodied, drinky, creamy and with a respectable finish. SUPERIORE.DE

Tradition, innovation and typicity are the key words of the daily endeavours at the Arnaldo Caprai winery. And so this white wine from the old, indigenous Grechetto variety is traditional, straightforward and pleasantly drinkable - and anything but banal. SUPERIORE.DE

Just the thing for fans of mineral and drinkable white wines: bright straw yellow with a golden shimmer. On the nose, the Frammento (formerly Villa Barbi) opens with green melon, candied lime, fresh mint and wet stone. Streamlined and vertical on the palate, with salty tones flanked by yellow stone fruit. Finishes fresh, with good acidity, medium length and a cheeky salty-spicy note. SUPERIORE.DE

"Aromas of green apples, Meyer lemons and a hint of golden kiwi followed by underlying peppery green herbs. Hints of arugula and wet stones. Medium-bodied with refreshing, crisp acidity. Zingy, gastronomic and chalky finish." James Suckling

Caprais Montefalco Rosso is an attractive red made predominantly from Sangiovese with small amounts of Sagrantino and Merlot. The aroma is unmistakably of black cherries and violets. Juicy and playful on the palate, with balanced acidity that enlivens the crisp red berry fruit, which leaves a slight mineral note towards the end. Plenty of power and freshness, good structure, elegant on the finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"Intense wine with blackberry, aromatic herb and lifted camphor aromas. On the palate it displays good fruit concentration, a medium body and meaty, chewy tannins with quite a drying finish, yet good acidity." James Suckling

Powerful ruby colour. Beautiful interplay between earthy notes, tobacco and dark berry fruit on the nose, finely characterised. Juicy on the palate and on the palate, flows calmly, grippy, well-integrated tannins, fine drinking flow. Much fresher and airier than expected, but still powerful. A harmonious all-rounder with ambition. SUPERIORE.DE

"Sweet herbs, dusty black cherries and a hint of smoke make the 2020 Montefalco Rosso Vigna Flaminia a real pleasure on the nose. It feels silky and elegant, with red and blue fruits carried by a saline acidity and balsamic herbs that build towards the finish. A slightly bitter aftertaste lingers, while the mouth remains watery and the blackcurrant notes slowly fade." Vinous

"Aromas of grilled plums, figs and roasted herbs. Full-bodied with grainy tannins. Woody spice on the palate is supported by well ripened red and black fruits. Dense." James Suckling

The name Mare Antico (ancient sea) is a tribute to the marine fossils and shells found in the soils of Orvieto. It is a beautiful blend of 55% Grechetto, 20% Vermentino, 20% Chardonnay and 5% Procanico and is the house's flagship wine every year.

Mare Antico blows like a cool breeze from a mountain top, mixing crushed rock with raw almonds, a hint of sage, ginger and flint in its interesting bouquet. It flows across the palate with skilful ease, long and citrusy. It also has a lovely inner sweetness contrasted by candied lime and salty minerals. Finishes structured and crisp, with a crisp green apple and residual acidity that begs for the next sip. The complexity of this wine is unrivalled, coupled with an overwhelming balance. Mare Antico is beautiful today, but also has a great future. SUPERIORE.DE

Enzo Barbi produces just 3,500 bottles of this flavoursome Sauvignon Bianco every year. It rises from the glass with a lovely freshness, while a delicate wave of lemongrass, chalk dust and sweet custard fills the senses. On the palate, it flows with silky texture and ripe, citrus-kissed orchard fruits accompanied by lively acidity. A hint of mint leaves and green peas lingers on the classically dry finish, while L'Inquisitore ends remarkably tangy and with a slight mineral bite. This extremely pretty Sauvignon Bianco from Umbria appears rather light-footed at first impression, but leaves a great impression. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright straw yellow with green reflections. Redcurrant, some kiwi and fresh herbs on the nose, reminiscent of basil and nettle. Stony on the palate, animating and mouthwatering, vibrant acidity, lots of herbal flavour on the final." Falstaff

"This is an aromatic white with herbal and earthy elements, exuding notes of pear skins, pomelos, guavas and chopped herbs. It’s full-bodied and fleshy with plenty of bite and fresh acidity to balance." James Suckling

Castello della Sala, located not far from Orvieto at an altitude of 500 metres, produces excellent wines without exception, as the inexpensive "entry-level wine" San Giovanni della Sala proves. The wine is produced in the vineyards of the ancient castle of Castello della Sala from the combination of the indigenous grape varieties Grechetto and Procanico with Pinot Bianco and Viognier and interprets the Orvieto Classico in a new style. Its freshness, richness and balance are remarkable, with notes of yellow flowers, green apple, sage and ginger. On the palate, an incredibly silky texture and juicy acidity guide this juicy white wine into a beautiful, mineral finish. SUPERIORE.DE

The date on the label (1212 AD) indicates when the winery was given its current name. Deep, powerful dark violet colour. The seamless bouquet is infused with purple and black fruit nuances with a good amount of spice and toast. The palate is pure elegance, silky and streamlined, with an increasing minerality that provides traction, while a delicate web of tannins, floral black fruits and exotic spices resonate. Our verdict: A juicy, deep and captivating red that already has a wide range and will continue to grow with further years of bottle ageing. SUPERIORE.DE

"Rich ruby red with slightly brightening edges. Intense and multi-layered nose, with notes of ripe sour cherries and rich blackberries, slightly peppery and floral in the background. Lots of ripe fruit and spice on the palate, juicy and with fine-grained tannins, long final." Falstaff

"Reserved and darkly alluring, the 2020 Umbria Rosso A.D.1212 blends 65% Syrah, 20% Cabernet Sauvignon and 15% Montepulciano from Orvieto. It entices with a nuanced blend of blackberries, sage, green olive and crushed rocks. This washes across the palate with elegance, polished and silky-smooth, contrasting mineral-tinged red and black fruits with vibrant acidity as gently grippy tannins mount toward the close. It tapers off long and lightly structured, leaving savory herbs and a slightly bitter twang of balsamic spice pinching at the cheeks. While already enjoyable today, the best is yet to come." Vinous

"Deep nose with hints of sandalwood and incense to the fresh array of black fruit. Some dark chocolates and roasted spices as well. Quite juicy and firm on the palate with medium to full body and a long, textured finish. Lovely spicy bitterness here." James Suckling

Deep violet-red in colour, the bouquet has nuances of juniper berries, tar, smoke and liquorice. The Montefalco Rosso Riserva is very juicy and offers an attractive combination of elegance and structure, rich flavours and polished tannins. SUPERIORE.DE

"Dark ruby violet colour. Black pepper, curry, pickled cherries and very ripe plums on the nose, with a blackberry jam aftertaste. On the palate with grip and power, showing dark fruit and rich, tightly meshed tannins, currently still a baby, but will come together well, put away and enjoy fully in a few years." Falstaff

"On the nose, this wine shows intense aromas of red and black fruits, mixed with cocoa, allspice and dried flowers. On the palate, there is a lively acidity that emphasises the tart fruit notes. The taut palate suggests that some time in the cellar will be helpful." Wine Enthusiast

"Aromas of dried sage, coriander and dried plums. Full-bodied with firm tannins. Spicy. Expansive and dense, with layers of fruit and spice. Very good intensity and depth. Needs more time to develop." James Suckling

"The 2019 Montefalco Rosso Riserva shows us how much depth and complexity can be achieved with this combination of local varieties. The wine is intense and particularly concentrated thanks to ripe fruit and careful oak ageing. You can feel the power of the Sagrantino tannins, but this power is well measured and under control. With its dark and crisp fruit, this is a wine to savour." Wine Advocate

The hills around Orvieto have always been recognised as an area with amazing potential for quality white wines. The Verdeluce is no exception. This complex cuvée combines the elegance of Pinot bianco with the juicy structure of the Sémillon grape and the freshness of Grechetto. Vibrant light yellow colour. The fresh bouquet is intense and inviting, characterised by citrus fruits, sweet herbs and floral nuances. Elegant and taut on the palate with a balanced, fresh acidity and an intense final. SUPERIORE.DE

In the mysterious Etruscan caves under the hill of Decugnano, a sparkling wine matures at a constant 13° Celsius, which is only produced in extremely limited quantities. Claudio Barbi produced this Metodo Classico in 1978 as the first bottle fermenter in Umbria. At that time, it was still made from Procanico and Verdello grapes. Over the years, it has developed into something even more special by using Chardonnay and Pinot Noir and extending the ageing period on the lees to 4 years. The entire production process is artisanal: riddling and disgorging are still carried out by hand, with care and passion. The result? An elegant, fresh spumante with a fine and persistent perlage that continues to set standards, and not just in Umbria. Delicate golden colour, lively and long-lasting perlage. Complex, rich and convincing on the palate, with notes of tropical fruit, honey, candied citrus fruit and a delicate vegetal flavour. Closes precisely and razor-sharp. SUPERIORE.DE

Conte della Vipera is a tribute to the first owners of the castle and the label refers to the 13th century chapel of St John, which is located on the estate. The vineyards are situated at an altitude of 250 to 350 metres above sea level on soils rich in fossilised marine deposits.

The sophistication of this wine is largely due to the composition of the grape varieties: fresh, vertical and aromatic Sauvignon Bianco, soft and tropical Sémillon. Straw yellow in colour with bright green reflections. The bouquet is full and broad and pleasant with notes of flowers, white fruit and pineapple, which combine with citrus notes. A pleasant freshness on the palate, then notes of bergamot and grapefruit on the final. SUPERIORE.DE

Aroma of dried black berries with nutty tones, tar, tobacco, candy, dark caramel and a light woody note. Powerful in the mouth, ripe, again partly dried fruit with a little cocoa-spicy wood flavours, slightly compote-like on the palate, dense and persistent, warming alcohol, present, predominantly crumbly tannin, some tar, behind it tobacco and herbs. Wonderful, partly salty finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"A dark mix of wild blackberries, meat and graphite minerality. The sternness of the nose comes back on the palate with firm, austere tannins, a full body and lifted acidity. The result is a very chewy style, with a polished finish showing salt, chocolate and fruit." James Suckling

Caprais Montefalco Rosso is an attractive red made predominantly from Sangiovese with small amounts of Sagrantino and Merlot. The aroma is unmistakably of black cherries and violets. Juicy and playful on the palate, with balanced acidity that enlivens the crisp red berry fruit, which leaves a slight mineral touch towards the end. Plenty of power and freshness, good structure, elegant finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"Rich ruby red colour with a violet hue. Fragrant, playful nose, fine cherry fruit, blueberries and some pepper. Juicy on the palate, dancing acidity, builds up pressure towards the end via the tannin structure, lingers." Falstaff

"Black cherry and spice dominate the aroma, along with an intense floral element. The wine is lush on the palate, with gripping tannins, mouthwatering acidity and ample dark fruit notes both fresh and preserved with an undertone of clove and cinnamon." Wine Enthusiast

"Bright and fruit-forward with ripe raspberries and cherries as well as sweet spices, chocolate and candied orange peel. Medium- to full-bodied with deep, succulent fruit and firm, tightly packed tannins. Lingering, racy finish." James Suckling

Black-red and almost impenetrable in the glass. Blackberry, black cherry, some rum pot and tobacco on the nose. Generous and ripe on the palate, flanked by taut tannins, which are pleasantly flanked by the fleshy core. Once again, Marco Caprai has succeeded in taming the Sagrantino grape and raising it to the highest heights - a grape variety that demands a great deal of sensitivity every year, even from the "bedrock" from Montefalco. SUPERIORE.DE

"Impenetrable, deep ruby red colour. Deep, sweet, intense and with spicy notes. Quite a big nose, but rather calm on the palate. Gentle, supple, but not lacking in fruit. Long, finely polished tannins." Jancis Robinson

"Ripe and intense dark berries, chocolate, dark coffee and sandalwood with hints of tar. Some dried blue flowers, too. Medium- to full-bodied with chewy tannins and compact structure. Chalky and earthy at the end." James Suckling

"The 2019 Montefalco Sagrantino Valdimaggio is dark and brooding with a mentholated herbal note helping to lift its blend of incense, cloves and dried currants. The Sagrantino Valdimaggio is silky and supple, with a textural wave of tart wild berry and plum notes spilling over the palate and gaining tension as lively acids and grippy tannins mingle towards the finish. Although structured and built for the cellar, the 2019 impresses with its rosy, floral notes and shaved cedar nuances that keep popping up. Let this beauty linger in the cellar." Vinous

Fine late harvest from Antinori: complex aroma and silky flavour with aromas of sweet, juicy peaches, ripe pears, jasmine, caramel and honey. Muffato della Sala is one of the most famous and delicious sweet wines in Italy. SUPERIORE.DE

"Ripe and tropical with dried pineapple, candied tangerines, dried flowers and subtle notes of bergamot. Medium- to full-bodied, balanced and not overly sweet. Delicious fruit and creamy finish with notes of orange marmalade and spices." James Suckling

If you ever have the chance to taste a Sagrantino Passito from Montefalco, time stands still! Sensual bouquet of blueberries, liquorice and undergrowth. Firm and racy on the palate, with beautiful acidity, juice and power. Very melting and not a bit sticky, it delights with an irresistible taste of wild berry confit, dark berries and a subtle hint of nougat. World class! SUPERIORE.DE

The name Mare Antico (ancient sea) is a tribute to the marine fossils and shells found in the soils of Orvieto. It is a beautiful blend of 55% Grechetto, 20% Vermentino, 20% Chardonnay and 5% Procanico and is the house's flagship wine every year.

Mare Antico blows like a cool breeze from a mountain top, mixing crushed rock with raw almonds, a hint of sage, ginger and flint in its interesting bouquet. It flows across the palate with skilful ease, long and citrusy. It also has a lovely inner sweetness contrasted by candied lime and salty minerals. Finishes structured and crisp, with a crisp green apple and residual acidity that begs for the next sip. The complexity of this wine is unrivalled, coupled with an overwhelming balance. Mare Antico is beautiful today, but also has a great future. SUPERIORE.DE

"Sweet herbs, dusty black cherries and a hint of smoke make the 2020 Montefalco Rosso Vigna Flaminia a real pleasure on the nose. It feels silky and elegant, with red and blue fruits carried by a saline acidity and balsamic herbs that build towards the finish. A slightly bitter aftertaste lingers, while the mouth remains watery and the blackcurrant notes slowly fade." Vinous

"Aromas of grilled plums, figs and roasted herbs. Full-bodied with grainy tannins. Woody spice on the palate is supported by well ripened red and black fruits. Dense." James Suckling

In the Sagrantino di Montefalco 25 Anni, all the elements of a wine full of character multiply exponentially: room-filling aromas of sweet berries, perfectly integrated wood tones, a cornucopia of ripe fruit on the palate, powerful and sensual. Caprai's top wine, which gives incredible pleasure and must be aerated for 3-4 hours when young. SUPERIORE.DE

"Ripe dark berries, chocolate, sweet spices, charred bark, walnuts and a hint of tar on the nose. Full and intense with depth and persistence in the fruit and firm, slightly chewy tannins. Long lasting and earthy finish." James Suckling

"A rich, medium to full-bodied red with a fragrant thread of chopped marjoram, orange peel and spice box that winds through concentrated flavours of reduced cherries, damson jam, red liquorice and tarry minerals. Firm and chewy, but balanced overall, with a tightly wound, well-spiced finish." Wine Spectator

"This darkly coloured wine opens with rich aromas of preserved blackberry, preserves, pepper and clove with a hint of violet. The powerful palate is layered with black plums, dried herbs, baking spices and forest floor, all framed by classically firm Sagrantino tannins and finishing with balanced acidity." Wine Enthusiast

"24 months in barriques for the 'definitive' Sagrantino, the culmination of years of research: sour cherry, balsamic notes and star anise, with a hint of wild iris, dense, juicy, savoury on the palate, with notes of undergrowth, black fruits and sweet spices." Luca Gardini

"Rich ruby red with a garnet-red rim. Intense and multi-layered on the nose, with notes of ripe blackberries and Amarena cherries, echoes of violets, dark chocolate and malt, slightly ethereal. Powerful but well-integrated tannins on the palate, builds up in a multi-layered way with a very long final." Falstaff

"The 2019 Sagrantino di Montefalco 25 Anni is imposing, buzzing with a dark mix of dried black cherries, crushed plums, sage, allspice and sweet mint. The texture is exciting, velvety yet cool, weighty yet tangy, washing over the palate with polished red and black fruits and slowly building black tea tannins. An abundance of spice, tobacco and blood orange nuances linger on the finish with tremendous length and concentration. The balance is absolutely fantastic. This is a breathtaking achievement." Vinous