This displays much more wood influence. Strawberry and hedgerow berry aromas are joined by tobacco and wood notes, while the palate is juicy, intense yet fresh, with plump red and black berries and a herbal character on the mid-palate leading to a chocolatey finish. It's all nicely balanced by fresh, zingy acidity and ripe, chewy tannins.

The 2016 Arnaldo Caprai Montefalco Rosso Riserva blends 70% Sangiovese, 15% Sagrantino and 15% Merlot to create a powerful but deeply alluring expression, showing crushed blackberry and cherry offset by spiced orange, with sweet and savory herbs, crushed stone and hints of animal musk. On the palate, soft textures envelop the senses, contrasted by tart red fruits, grippy minerality and fine tannins, yet for all of the youthful tension, there’s a cooling, subtle sweetness here that provides balance. The finish is long and structured, resonating on sweet herbs, with hints of mocha and tobacco...

Hints of herbed olive and loamy earth underscore the baked black cherry and pomegranate fruit in this tightly knit, medium- to full-bodied red, with firm, dusty tannins. Best from 2021 through 2026. 2,500 cases made, 450 cases imported.

Here’s a very floral and “postmodern” Montefalco that shows dried violets, lavender, bay leaf, pine cones and some dried meat. It’s still warm and hearty on the full-bodied palate, but bolstered by carefully wrought tannins and direct acidity. Drink from 2021.