Driven by curiosity for the birth of the new vintage, we started for a ‘hit and run’ in the heart of Umbria by Sagrantino, visiting my friend Paolo Bartoloni from Cantina Le Cimate, a full-blown intrusion during the harvest.
Le Cimate wine cellar born in 2011, a new adventure born from ancient traditions and passions for viticulture that have characterized the Bartoloni family since 1800.
When first grapes begin to be transported to the cellar, you can breathe the euphoria of the moment in the air. Like every year, these days the wine begins to be born.
Paolo takes us to the cellar. Tall fermentation tanks are ready to receive musts that will soon converge. He illustrates us the process that the grapes will undergo since their arrival so that none of the perfumes can be dispersed. A mix between technology and tradition.
From the courtyard, which dominates the hill, Paolo proudly points out his vineyards, dotted with the silhouettes of the grape harvesters at work.
Talking with Paolo about the characteristics of his land, we find ourselves walking among rows of Sagrantino, Merlot, Cabernet and Sangiovese Grosso, the vineyard in which grows his Montefalco Rosso.
Officially, a taste is a must to ascertain the degree of ripeness and the characteristics of the bunches and berries, unofficially, by the throat and fascinated by their beauty.
At the end of our tour, Paolo takes us to see the curious bunch that stands out, stylized, on the label of his famous Trebbiano Spoletino.
These grapes will be harvested later, in a few weeks in the second ten days of October, after pressing, a maceration on the skins of at least 24 hours will follow in order to extract all the possible perfumes and organoleptic contents.
Only then can he be sure of having a wine with the right characteristics, those of Trebbiano Spoletino Le Cimate, both in the basic and reserve versions. A wine with golden reflections, with exotic aromas of fruit, peach and mineral nuances, produced only in 4000 bottles.
At the end of the tour, tasting is a must (many samples), it would be a crime to refuse.
Vignafante bianco a captivating blend of Chardonnay, Grechetto and Viogner grapes,
Montefalco Sagrantino DOCG and Macchieto the latter is a powerful yet elegant wine, with a soft and enveloping tannin. On the nose, a lot of stuff, the hints of blackberry, coffee, chocolate and vanilla raise your hand. Only 2900 bottles per year of this Super Umbrian, all numbered.
The grapes? Sagrantino and Cabernet Sauvignon in equal quantities, each of them ages 30 months in French barriques for Sagrantino, American for Cabernet, then together for another 48 months.
A wine that in a few years has conquered its place in the market and the palate of connoisseurs.
Just one sip, the way back will be long.
It’s time to say goodbye, but before leaving we bring with us, for our friends, a bunch of each grape and the corresponding bottle of wine. After all, beautiful discoveries must be shared.
(Roberto e Fabrizio Matetich)
You can also read it on Italy4Golf