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The foothills of Umbria nurture many vineyards that rival those of their Tuscan neighbors to the north.
Montefalco, nestled between Spoleto and Perugia, is finally getting its due for producing brilliant reds made from the Sagrantino vine.
Sagrantino (not to be confused with Sangiovese, which can also be found nearby), earned its DOCG (Denominazione di Origine Controllata e Garantita) status in 1992. It is an excellent dry wine by itself, but also pairs well with roasted meats and game.
The centro storico of Montefalco is worthy of a visit whether you’re a wine connoisseur or an average-joe like the rest of us. Its hilltop location offers stunning views of the surrounding countryside lined with the same vineyards that produced the wine you’ll have that very evening.
– Contributed by Ian Zurzolo, (see bio, writer, editor, American University of Rome Senior, Italian Notebook Editorial Intern.
I have been a few times and Montefalco is absolutely worthy of at least a half-day visit, especially once the new harvest is done!
Beautiful picutres!
I love Montefalco! Bob and I were there during “vendemmia” when they were harvesting the grapes. It was so much fun to watch! Thanks for bringing me back!
http://livecheapmakeart.blogspot.com/2005/10/grapes-going-into-separator.html
I look forward to this e-mail every morning. Was in Italy 3 years ago and loved every minute I spent there. The pictures are spectacular, scenery just beautiful. Iwill be leaving for Sicily the end of April and I cannot wait. No matter who I talk to that’s been there say it’s beautiful
Lucile
Montefalco sounds marvelous; we will be in Bologna in September and living in Abruzzo from October through June of 2011 and we are looking to visit grape and olive harvest festivals. When is the vendemmia in Montefalco?
Thank You–We have been to Italy before but not to Montefalco. We will be sure to include it in our next visit.The economy is keeping us at home so I look forward to your posts everyday.I envy John Bellanti, it would be our dream come true to move to Italy, if just part time.
Ciao Sally
Wow! My wife and I have visited this beautiful hill town on a couple of visits to Bella Italia. It is well worth a side trip if your traveling through this part of Umbria. The views are spectacular, From the village you can see the beautiful country side of Umbria, olive groves and vineyards .
The wine Sangratino di Montefalco is also a very good Italian Red!
Domenico Piccolomini
Hello from a native of Umbria! Montefalco is definitely worth a visit and a stay for a few days to enjoy the atmosphere of the place and get to know the “locals”.
Spring has just sprang – although today is not a typical spring day – but from tomorrow on the sun will shine back and will make our beautiful region shine with innumerable shades of green.
I was there briefly two years ago and can’t wait to get back!
I was told by a local in Assisi that at harvest time (in M.) a person could purchase a pre-paid card for 6 euros and go about to large vats in the piazza, swipe the card and a 2-ounce sample pours forth into a plastic cup. One euro per sample, but at least a person can taste 6 different wines most efficiently. Was I being told a ‘story’ or does this ring true for anyone?