Best Sagrantino di Montefalco | A Montefalco 2026

The paradox of “A Montefalco” 2026 lies right here: Sagrantino is losing its numerical dominance, yet it remains the category with the highest average quality among the reds on the market. Among the 42 samples present in the tasting room—from various vintages—the average is 91.4 points, with peaks of up to 96. This data confirms that Sagrantino, when well-interpreted, remains the most profound and ambitious wine of the region. But it also confirms just how difficult it is to tame.

The tasting notes show a denomination in the midst of transition. The best samples no longer seek only concentration, alcohol, extraction, and waiting. They aim for more readable fruit, balsamic freshness, more precise wood management, less pronounced tannins, and greater drinkability. Arnaldo Caprai “25 Anni” 2021 reaches 96 points. At 95 are Fongoli “Fracanton” 2017, Perticaia 2019, Antonelli “Molino dell’Attone” 2020, and Colle Ciocco 2021. At 94 is Antonelli “Chiusa di Pannone” 2020.

The best Sagrantino today speaks of cherry, blackberry, blood orange, Mediterranean scrub, spices, balsamic notes, licorice, coffee, tobacco, and well-integrated tertiary aromas. In less successful cases, however, dry tannins, bitter closures, dusty wood, cooked fruit, oxidation, volatile acidity, or disjointed phenolic sensations emerge. The denomination remains powerful and identity-defining, but demands precision. It doesn’t forgive shortcuts or extreme simplifications.