Montefalco, 2014 vintage: See Montefalco DOC. | Montefalco region of Umbria.

2014: Rating *** (three). Growing season Warmish and wet winter. Early budburst (10-15 days ahead of normal). Cool and wet spring, too. Lower than average rainfall and summer temperatures. The rainy trend and the temperatures below average during the summer season made it very difficult to protect the vine from the main adversities. Cool and rainy July, August as average. After that, up until the middle of October, higher temperatures partially made up for the delayed ripening. Good quality grapes at harvest, albeit with a lower sugar content. A good year for white grapes.

Overall, a “technically” very demanding year from the point of view of the agronomic management of the vineyards due to the weather. However, where the agronomic management of the vineyards was prudent, the quantity and quality of the grapes at harvest was very satisfactory, especially for Sagrantino thanks to the later ripening. Overall it was a favourable year for white grapes and late vines such as Sagrantino.

Lack of ripeness for the late ripening Sangrantino, which had thinner than usual grape skins. ‘Damp summer. Fine autumn,’ (Stephen Brook, 2016).

Cellar: The grapes when they reached ripeness were on average healthy, with a thinner skin than the standard varietal; average weight of the grape a little higher, good sugar concentration with acidity balanced by an average pH in the norm. Alcoholic fermentations took place regularly with an average final alcohol content. Polyphenolic content below the previous years but always typical of Sagrantino. The 2014 vintage is characterized by wines with floral and fruity aromas, with notes of cherries, plums, accompanied by medicinal herbs, fresh spices with some pleasant herbaceous insertions. The alcoholic note is balanced and well integrated with the acidity that shows itself to the taste in its freshness. Balanced and pleasant tannins.

Bibliography

Consorzio Tutela Vini Montefalco

Stephen Brook, ‘The might of Montefalco’, Decanter, Italy 2016 supplement p.72-76.