Arnaldo Caprai

Umbria, Italy

Montefalco Rosso DOC Riserva – 2021

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  • Introduction

    • WINERY The family operation began in 1971 when textiles entrepreneur Arnaldo Caprai purchased 12.5 acres in Montefalco. In 1988, ownership passed on to Arnaldo’s son, Marco, who began the project to cultivate the promotion of the grape that has been growing in the Montefalco region for more than 400 years: Sagrantino. Today, the winery is the leading producer of top quality Sagrantino di Montefalco, a wine produced exclusively from this native variety. In addition to its commitment to quality, Arnaldo Caprai is recognized for its dedication to environmental, economic and social sustainability, as well as being champions for the wines of Umbria. Winery visits available for tasting.

      WINE Embodies the bolder spirit of its little brother Montefalco Rosso, with a similar composition of Sangiovese, Sagrantino and Merlot. The special vineyard sites and l ocation for this wine rival textural and body characteristics of even the best Brunello di Montalcino.

  • Vineyard Profile

    • Spurred cordon vines planted in clay matrix soils.

    • Appellation: Montefalco Rosso DOC
    • Location: Umbria
    • Cultivation: Equalitas Sustainable Standard SOPD
    • Soil: Limestone, clay
    • Exposure: East
    • Density: 5,500 vines/hectare (2,227 vines/acre)
  • Vintage Report

    • The 2021 vintage commenced at the very beginning of April, a time when unexpected frosts rolled in, delaying the blooming process of the grapevines. This frost not only delayed the bloom but also led to a reduction in overall production. However, despite the reduced yield, the quality of the grapes remained fine and exceptional. As summer progressed, the weather turned hot, creating an environment that was conducive to grape growth. Fortunately, during the crucial ripening stages of the grapes, we experienced a beneficial amount of rain. This rainfall was instrumental in ensuring a balanced concentration of essential perfumes and quality compounds. As a result, the final product exhibited excellent complexity, accompanied by a rich aromatic profile and robust polyphenolic structure. This combination of factors ultimately contributed to the production of a vintage that is both distinctive and of high quality.

    • Harvest Date(s): October
  • Vinification

    • Fermentation took 15 days in stainless steel, with 15 days of maceration. 20 months in French oak and minimum 6 months aging in bottle.

    • Aging: 20 months in French oak barriques; minimum 6 months aging in bottle
  • Technical Information

    • Varietal Composition: 70% Sangiovese, 15% Sagrantino, 15% Merlot
    • Alcohol: 15%
    • TA: 5.29 g/L
    • p H: 3.64
    • RS: 2.6 g/L
  • Tasting Notes

    • The 2021 Montefalco Rosso Riserva has flavors of wild cherries in spirits, chocolate, violets, vanilla, and exotic spices. It is full-bodied, well-rounded, and balanced with vibrant, smooth tannins.

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Reviews

  • Montefalco Rosso DOC Riserva — 2021 – Vinous – 94+ Points

    "Remarkably pretty, the 2021 Montefalco Rosso Riserva opens in the glass with a burst of crushed chalk, giving way to dried violets, lavender, white pepper and crushed blackberries. This is pure elegance, round and pliant yet cool-toned in feel with ripe red and black fruits that slowly give way to a web of fine tannins toward the close. The 2021 finishes structured with a balsamic and dark chocolate resonance, leaving the mouth watering for more. Despite its youthful state, I find it hard not to drink the 2021 instead of just tasting it."

  • Montefalco Rosso DOC Riserva — 2021 – James Suckling – 92 Points

    "Lifted nose of blackberries and blood oranges with hints of licorice and black pepper. The palate is firm and austere, with a full body, over-extracted tannins and moderate acidity. It needs time for aging to soften the tannin and develop more complexity.”

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