Interest in Montefalco vineyards has grown because of the dry red Montefalco Sagrantino, and most recently its Trebbiano Spoletino is gaining attention. In the future, Montefalco could become known for exceptional reds and whites. Montefalco wine country was not on my radar until a recent visit to Umbria. After a quick recharge upon arrival in Umbria we set out to explore nearby wine country. Some have described Umbria, as the green heart of Italy. Umbria is a region with a rich history and a long tradition for winemaking. While it does not enjoy the same recognition as neighboring Tuscany, Umbria produces some of Italy’s most unique and exquisite wines. Moreover, the area can rival anywhere in the country for its natural beauty. During our week in Umbria we visited some of the region’s historic towns, in doing so we traveled through hilly landscapes of endless vineyards. During our stay we explored Umbria’s top wine sub-regions: Assisi, Montefalco and Orvieto. This post will focus on Montefalco, Umbria's best known region.
Winemaking in Montefalco
Montefalco, a charming hilltop town in the middle of Umbria, is one of the best known for its winemaking. From the town, known as the balcony of Umbria, you can see across vineyards and olive groves to a mountainous horizon in the distance. The area has a relaxed approach to life and a closeness with nature. Here you will find fresh air, great local sourced foods, excellent wine, and welcoming people.
These days Montefalco is becoming well known for the Sagrantino grape, which is indigenous to the area. Sagrantino has been cultivated as far back as the 16th century, when monks used it to make sweet wine. In the 1970's it underwent a revival, and has grown in popularity ever since. Today there are over 2,400 acres of Sagrantino vines planted around Montefalco.
Sagrantino DOCG in the Barrel © Spaswinefood
In addition to Sagrantino, the region has other tradition varieties, such as Trebbiano Spoletino and Grechetto (white), and Sangiovese (red). Trebbiano Spoletino is a wine that was a delight to discover. Perhaps a little background is in order. Umbria is known for an obscure white grape variety, called Trebbiano Spoletino. It grows around the hilltops of Montefalco, Spoleto, and near Perugia. Regrettably, Trebbiano is a name that is associated with huge productions of mediocre and dull white wines. Umbria's Trebbiano Spoletino, with its own unique DNA is an exception. For this reason some have suggested that Trebbiano Spoletino might be best named Spoletino. In fact the gaining in popularity of Trebbiano Spoletino is similar to what has happened in the revival of Sagrantino.
Cantina Le Cimate
Before setting out to explore Montefalco wineries I did some research and came up with a list. I contacted those wineries on the short list and received an immediate reply from Cantina Le Cimate. Our visit to Le Cimate allowed me an introduction to Montefalco's wines.
The views from Cantina Le Cimate are amazing.
Views from Cantina Le Cimate, Montefalco © Spaswinefood
Cantina Le Cimate
Cantina Le Cimate is on a hilltop with stunning panoramic views of Montefalco, the Umbrian Valley and the mountains beyond. Le Cimate, one of the newest wineries in Montefalco, was founded in 2011 by Paolo Bartoloni. The winery however, is built on old roots of tradition and knowledge. Wine has been in Paolo’s family for years, dating back to his grandfather who dedicated his life to agriculture and grape-growing. The estate was passed to Paolo in 2010, when his grandfather gave him 180 hectares of land. Most of the space is used to grow vineyards and olive trees, maintaining the family traditions, but recently Paolo has repurposed some land to grow hazelnuts, as he seeks to diversify and grow the business.
Its hill top location with a 360 degree panorama views, on one side the Monti Martani mountains and on the other side the city of Montefalco, is indeed an ideal location for a winery.
Our Experience
It was October and so I reached out to wineries that were open for visits. Cantina Le Cimate responded to my inquiry and so off we went. Upon arrival we were greeted. Our hostess led us down into the basement, where she gave technical insights into the production techniques used at the winery.
The harvest was nearing its final stage. There were some grapes drying for later vinification.
After the tour we left the winery and walked to Cantina Le Cimate’s tasting room.
But where did the name Le Cimate come from? It is unusual for a family-oriented business not to take the family name. A priest who lived in the house called it Le Cimate, which means top of the hill. Often people assume there is a connection with climate, but in this case it has a completely different meaning. The winery’s logo has two half moons, representing the two Cs of Cantina and Cimate.
Soon after we arrived in the tasting room we were joined by Paolo. We were lucky to have Paolo join us for part of the tasting. For me it is always extra special to meet the person/people behind the founding and management of a winery.
Paolo is clearly very proud, passionate and excited about his work. While we chatted about the winery he shared his enthusiasm about its grow and development in the future.
Le Cimate Wine Tasting
We began with two Trebbiano Spoletino wines, Trebbiano Spoletino DOC and Trebbiano Spoletino Superior DOC.
Cantina Le Cimate, Trebbiano Spoletino DOC © Spaswinefood
These wines were followed by a Spoleto Trebbiano Spoletino DOC.
Cantina Le Cimate, Spoleto Trebbiano Spoletino Superior DOC
Cantina Le Cimate, Spoleto Trebbiano Spoletino Superior DOC © Spaswinefood
We particularly liked these Spoletino wines.
Moving on, we sampled a series of reds. We also tasted two sweet wines
Our host brought us a plate of meats, cheeses and breads.
Now let's continue with the wines.
We sampled a series of reds.
Cantina Le Cimate, Sagrantino DOCG 2016
Cantina Le Cimate, Montefalco Rosso DOC
Cantina Le Cimate, Macchieto Umbria IGT 2015
Given 2015 was not available for purchase I am so glad we tasted it at the winery. Macchieto is 50% Sagrantino and 50% Cabernet Sauvignon.
Cantina Le Cimate, Macchieto, Umbria IGT 2016
We concluded the tasting with two sweet wines:
It was a sweeting ending. Still what really stoodout for us was a 2016 Montefalco Sagrantino DOCG, with a strong a rich character and lasting taste. Our favorite wines however were the Macchieto wines. We left that day impressed by these wines.
Special thanks to out hostess and Paolo for such a wonderful tasting. I am so glad we got to experience Sagrantino, especially Le Climate Macchieto wines (Super Umbrias), and their Trebbiano Spoletino wines. You can book tour and tasting experiences, and buy Cantina Le Cimate products online at www.lecimate.it. I had reached out to more Montefalco wineries (Montioni Frantoio e Catina, Cantina Scacciadiavoli, Arnaldo Caprai). Cantina Scacciadiavoli did reply but we were able to rearrange our travels to return. I invite you to join me in our wine travels in Italy and elsewhere at Wine Travels with Dr. Sharon, and at Spaswinefood on Twitter and Facebook. I am so looking forward to sharing our vine-filled explorations in Italy.
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