2021 Arnaldo Caprai Montefalco Rosso, Umbria

Arnaldo Caprai and son Marco are true champions of Umbria and its local history of winemaking, purchasing their namesake estate in 1971. Montefalco is the epicenter for fine wine production in Umbria, Tuscany's sleepy and equally beautiful neighbor to the southwest. Montefalco Rosso represents the marriage of Sangiovese and Umbrian specialty Sagrantino, which the Caprai family essentially saved from near extinction. Sangiovese provides bright red fruit, dried herbs and spices, while Sagrantino brings a darker tone of flavors and muscle as it is one of Italy's most tannic varietals. Caprai's Montefalco is however not overly austere and benefits from an addition of Merlot to add a plush quality to the wine making for a fun exploration of what Umbria has to offer.