ARNALDO CAPRAI

 

UMBRIA, ITALY 2018

 

 

Sagrantino is the hottest new varietal for passionate and discerning wine lovers—and the acknowledged leader in Sagrantino? Arnaldo Caprai.
 

Though you can find price points that rival that of the level of the wine elite—Caprai’s flagship ‘25 Anni’ is consistently priced at $100 a bottle—today’s sub-$55 duo (the 2018 ‘Collepiano’ and 2018 Montefalco Rosso Riserva) is an incredible opportunity to add rich, silky, cellar-worthy wines to your collection at budget-friendly prices.
 

Just as Super Tuscans hit international acclaim in the 1990s, Sagrantino has quickly become both a sommelier favorite and a collectible. Its ascent has been remarkable, rising from an obscure local variety just a couple of decades ago to its current standing alongside the great “noble” grapes of Italy, including Tuscany’s Sangiovese and Piedmont’s Nebbiolo, and transforming the village of Montefalco into one of the most exciting regions in the world today.
 

In 1971, entrepreneur Arnaldo Caprai purchased 12.5 acres in Montefalco and in 1988 passed on the reins to his son Marco. Working with the University of Milan, Marco has led technological innovation and scientific research in the indigenous grapes of the region as well as building brand recognition across the globe. By 1992, Sagrantino di Montefalco was officially recognized under the prestigious DOCG. Although Sagrantino has been growing in the region for more than 400 years, Marco’s pioneering work in clonal selection, vineyard management, and winemaking practices now allow us to fully enjoy the potential the variety has always offered. Sagrantino grape bunches are small and the berries have thick skins, resulting in wines that are some of the boldest in all of Italy.
 

The 2018 vintage allowed for a long, slow ripening and the resulting wines combine richness and power with a beautiful streak of balancing acidity. The ‘Collepiano’ is 100% Sagrantino, aged 22 months in French oak, with a profile of blackberry jam, pepper, clove and vanilla. The Montefalco Rosso Riserva is a blend of 70% Sangiovese, 15% Sagrantino, and 15% Merlot that aged 20 months in French oak; the wine’s aromas and flavors weave nuances of cherry cordial, chocolate, violet, and vanilla. Full of power and finesse, there is a liveliness in the wines that would allow both to be drunk younger, although we expect both will age beautifully over the next two decades. 
 

With budget-friendly price points compared to other Sagrantino on the market, this offer is one that calls for stocking up!

 


 

*Offer NOT valid in-store. This offer is made pre-arrival, with wines estimated to be delivered to your preferred store in Fall/Winter 2022. With the supply chain issues that we are seeing globally, there may be some unforeseen delays which could affect the ETA. All sale prices are the lowest available at Total Wine & More and ONLY valid through Concierge Sales. No further discounts or coupons may be applied. Offer not valid in MI, NY or TN. This offer is for ONE WEEK, or until sold out, and will expire on Sunday, June 26th, 2022.