📍 Montefalco

Montefalco is a hill town in the middle of Umbria, Italy, in the province of Perugia. It is called the "balcony of Umbria" for its view over the valley. The hills around are covered with vineyards, olive groves and stone villages. The climate is mild, with a marked difference between day and night temperatures.

The glory of Montefalco is the Sagrantino grape, a local red with very thick skins. It makes Sagrantino di Montefalco, a strong, dense wine with very high tannins and a scent of blackberries and spice. It is aged for more than three years and holds the top DOCG category. There is also a sweet version, passito, from dried grapes. Historically Sagrantino was mostly made into sweet wine, and the dry style became popular comparatively recently.

A lighter red, Montefalco Rosso, is made from Sangiovese with Sagrantino and other grapes added. Among whites, Trebbiano Spoletino and Grechetto grow and give fresh white wines.

For comparison with its neighbours: to the north-west lie Lake Trasimeno and Torgiano, and to the south-west Orvieto with its white wine. To the east Umbria borders the Marche, and to the west Tuscany.