Sagrantino

Italian grape Sagrantino is one of the world’s most tannic reds. To manage this, local laws in the grape’s Umbrian hometown of Montefalco allow blending with lighter Sangiovese but still stipulate an impressive 30 months aging before release. However prominent, Sagrantino’s tannins can be ‘sweeter’ and more approachable (than those of young Tannat, for example), while the wine also compensates with massive fruit depth - not only brooding black fruit but also lively red fruit and blueberry notes. Localised in Umbria and limited to a few dozen producers, none but experimental plantings elsewhere have brought this rare variety to the world’s attention.