The Tabarrini family have been growing grapes near the walled Medieval hilltown of Montefalco for four generations. This is Umbria, a relatively isolated region between Rome and Florence, historically dominated in different ways by the two great cities. Surrounded by Tuscany, Marche, and Lazio, Umbria is the only region of Italy not bordered by the sea or another country. It is a high plateau profoundly influenced climatically by the Apennine Mountains to the east, partly hilly and partly flat, always picture postcard 'scenic' - there is a stunningly beautiful (and surprisingly large) lake - and the beautiful ancient towns of Perugia, Orvieto, and Assisi (a UNESCO World Heritage Site).

Despite its rich cultural, artistic, architectural and culinary heritage Umbria remains relatively undiscovered. Perhaps 'underappreciated' is a better word: it certainly is the right word to describe Umbrian wine - at least it was until recently. Historically Umbria was known primarily for Orvieto, which given its industrial tendencies, was definitely not a good thing. For decades Lungarotti (renowned for originating Rubesco) was the only recognized producer of top quality wine. With the emergence of Montefalco Sagrantino this has finally changed.

Tabarrini is a big part of the buzz, and Giampaolo Tabarrini has emerged as the rising star of Umbrian wine. Taking over the family company in 1996 at the age of just 22, he immediately began estate bottling, espousing the family's simple philosophy: "great wines grow only from a great love of the land".

With less than 1,000 acres planted in Italy, sagrantino is a classic regional specialty. Local legends say that the grape was either brought to Montefalco from Greece by Byzantine monks, or from Asia Minor by Franciscans, or brought by Saint Francis himself (Assisi is not far away!). Historically it was used for sweet passito wines (the style still persists - Tabarrini make one) but today Montefalco Sagrantino is a deep, rich, dry red, intensely aromatic, full-bodied, powerful and eminently age-worthy. The vines grow in a mix of clay, limestone, and sand, providing pronounced mineral complexity, fresh acidity to balance the tannins, and plenty of structure.

The Montefalco Rosso is a beautiful expression of Montefalco terroir, produced from sangiovese blended with sagrantino, cabernet, and merlot. It is aged for 12 months in French oak, 12 months in stainless steel, and a further 6 months in bottle prior to release to produce a complex and elegant wine balancing ripe fruit and freshness.