MONTEFALCO
SAGRANTINO 2016
DOCG • ABSOLUTE POWER • UMBRIA, ITALY
"The tamed beast: the most powerful red wine in the world elevated to sublime elegance by the hand of Lorenzo Mattoni."
The Legend of Montefalco
The Montefalco Sagrantino 2016 by Lorenzo Mattoni is a masterpiece of patience and terroir. This red wine is not made, it is sculpted. Hailing from selected vineyards in the hills of Spoleto and Montefalco, the Sagrantino grape is famous for its unparalleled intensity. The 2016 vintage is iconic in Italy for providing a cool climate that allowed for slow ripening, transforming the wild power of Sagrantino into a velvety structure and infinite depth. It is a cult wine for collectors.
1. Identity Profile
Winery: Lorenzo Mattoni.
Origin: Montefalco DOCG, Umbria, Italy.
Vintage: 2016 (Golden Vintage).
Aging: Minimum 36 months (including a long period in large oak barrels and bottle rest).
Volume: 750 ml.
Varietal: 100% Sagrantino.
2. Sommelier's Notes
Appearance: Impenetrable ruby red with deep garnet reflections. Very high intensity and great density.
Nose: Massive aromas of black mulberry, cherry in liqueur, dried violets, and an earthy minerality. As it opens, notes of dark chocolate, tobacco, resin, and black pepper appear.
Palate: An imposing attack. The tannins are dense and granular, yet of a silky quality thanks to evolution. Endless finish with hints of cocoa, ripe plum, and oriental spices.
3. Wine Architecture (2016 Vintage)
4. Pairing and Suggested Moments
Gastronomy: A wine of this magnitude requires dishes with high fat and protein content to balance its tannins. It pairs masterfully with venison, wood-fired roasted lamb, beef stews with wine reductions, or the classic "Pecorino Stagionato" (very mature sheep's cheese). It is also an excellent accompaniment to dishes with Umbrian black truffle.
Suggested Moments:
- Special Celebration: The wine for life's milestones; a 50th anniversary, a graduation, or a high-end wedding.
- Prestigious Gift: The ultimate gift for a wine collector seeking the best of Italy.
- Business: Ideal for closing important deals where one wants to project solidity, patience, and success.
- Gala Romantic Dinner: For an evening where wine is the center of conversation.
- Distinguished Family Meal: To elevate a traditional barbecue to an international luxury experience.
- Premium BBQ: Pairs perfectly with cuts like Rib Eye or Prime Rib with a pepper crust.
frequently asked questions (FAQS)
Is Sagrantino stronger than Cabernet Sauvignon?
Yes. Scientifically, Sagrantino has more than double the polyphenols of a Cabernet, making it the fullest-bodied and most structured red wine in the world.
Can I drink it now or should I wait?
Lorenzo Mattoni's 2016 vintage is already in a spectacular drinking window, but if you have patience, this wine will continue to gain complexity until 2045.
What type of glass does it need?
It requires a large "Bordeaux Magnum" type glass to allow the large surface area in contact with the air to help release its immense aromatic load.
