Sagrantino

Sagrantino produces some of Italy's most powerful wines. It is found in only one DOC and one DOCG in Umbria, Montefalco and Montefalco Sagrantino, although it is permitted in numerous IGTs in other parts of central Italy. This variety was on the cusp of extinction in the 1960s with only 78 hectares remaining by 1970. A revival was started in the 1990s led by the dynamic Montefalco producer Arnaldo Caprai, with the last vine census of 2010 showing exponential growth to 994 hectares, 400 of those dedicated to DOCG Montefalco Sagrantino according to the latest figures from 2019.

Its current popularity is down to the impressive concentration of power, tannins and acidity of the wines this variety can produce. Not only suitable for making powerful dry reds, it is also frequently used for making sweet red passito wine, which would have been used during the sacrament, suggesting a possible origin for the name of the variety.

Outside of its homeland examples can be found in Australia, California and Argentina.