Passito Sagrantino, Arnaldo Caprai 2016 375ml
Given that the ancient Greeks dubbed Italy Oenotria, or “Land of Wine”, when they first sailed across the Mediterranean and started exploring the boot, it should come as no surprise that Italy is home to myriad styles that are technically classic but largely forgotten about in the modern world. Passito is a style of dessert wine made in many parts of Italy relying on dried grapes that get fermented after shriveling and concentrating the sugars and flavors as the berries lose liquid. Unlike increasing sugars on the vine, which comes at the expense of acidity, this process allows the resulting wines to maintain their acids for uniquely balanced wines.
Sagrantino is the most tannic variety on earth, with seven times the natural tannin of the already tannic Cabernet Sauvignon. Such structure may make it seem incongruous with sweet wines, but it’s actually the historical norm for wines from Montefalco in Umbria, one of Italy’s few landlocked regions. 3 million years ago the whole area was covered by sea, but all that remains today is a lake called Trasimeno to the northwest. Even with a centuries-long tradition of these wines being made in this area, the leader is a relative newcomer. Arnaldo Caprai made his money in the textiles business and founded his eponymous estate in the early 1970s, and his son Marco (who has made an appearance in the shop!) has been in charge since 1988. Both dry and sweet Sagrantino often needs age to really shine. Redolent of golden raisins, this is a perfect wintry accompaniment for a plate of nuts and cheeses, and a modern-day version par excellence of an old style of winemaking.
Must be 21 years old to purchase. ID is required at delivery or in-store pickup.
Given that the ancient Greeks dubbed Italy Oenotria, or “Land of Wine”, when they first sailed across the Mediterranean and started exploring the boot, it should come as no surprise that Italy is home to myriad styles that are technically classic but largely forgotten about in the modern world. Passito is a style of dessert wine made in many parts of Italy relying on dried grapes that get fermented after shriveling and concentrating the sugars and flavors as the berries lose liquid. Unlike increasing sugars on the vine, which comes at the expense of acidity, this process allows the resulting wines to maintain their acids for uniquely balanced wines.
Sagrantino is the most tannic variety on earth, with seven times the natural tannin of the already tannic Cabernet Sauvignon. Such structure may make it seem incongruous with sweet wines, but it’s actually the historical norm for wines from Montefalco in Umbria, one of Italy’s few landlocked regions. 3 million years ago the whole area was covered by sea, but all that remains today is a lake called Trasimeno to the northwest. Even with a centuries-long tradition of these wines being made in this area, the leader is a relative newcomer. Arnaldo Caprai made his money in the textiles business and founded his eponymous estate in the early 1970s, and his son Marco (who has made an appearance in the shop!) has been in charge since 1988. Both dry and sweet Sagrantino often needs age to really shine. Redolent of golden raisins, this is a perfect wintry accompaniment for a plate of nuts and cheeses, and a modern-day version par excellence of an old style of winemaking.
Must be 21 years old to purchase. ID is required at delivery or in-store pickup.
Given that the ancient Greeks dubbed Italy Oenotria, or “Land of Wine”, when they first sailed across the Mediterranean and started exploring the boot, it should come as no surprise that Italy is home to myriad styles that are technically classic but largely forgotten about in the modern world. Passito is a style of dessert wine made in many parts of Italy relying on dried grapes that get fermented after shriveling and concentrating the sugars and flavors as the berries lose liquid. Unlike increasing sugars on the vine, which comes at the expense of acidity, this process allows the resulting wines to maintain their acids for uniquely balanced wines.
Sagrantino is the most tannic variety on earth, with seven times the natural tannin of the already tannic Cabernet Sauvignon. Such structure may make it seem incongruous with sweet wines, but it’s actually the historical norm for wines from Montefalco in Umbria, one of Italy’s few landlocked regions. 3 million years ago the whole area was covered by sea, but all that remains today is a lake called Trasimeno to the northwest. Even with a centuries-long tradition of these wines being made in this area, the leader is a relative newcomer. Arnaldo Caprai made his money in the textiles business and founded his eponymous estate in the early 1970s, and his son Marco (who has made an appearance in the shop!) has been in charge since 1988. Both dry and sweet Sagrantino often needs age to really shine. Redolent of golden raisins, this is a perfect wintry accompaniment for a plate of nuts and cheeses, and a modern-day version par excellence of an old style of winemaking.
Must be 21 years old to purchase. ID is required at delivery or in-store pickup.
Given that the ancient Greeks dubbed Italy Oenotria, or “Land of Wine”, when they first sailed across the Mediterranean and started exploring the boot, it should come as no surprise that Italy is home to myriad styles that are technically classic but largely forgotten about in the modern world. Passito is a style of dessert wine made in many parts of Italy relying on dried grapes that get fermented after shriveling and concentrating the sugars and flavors as the berries lose liquid. Unlike increasing sugars on the vine, which comes at the expense of acidity, this process allows the resulting wines to maintain their acids for uniquely balanced wines.
Sagrantino is the most tannic variety on earth, with seven times the natural tannin of the already tannic Cabernet Sauvignon. Such structure may make it seem incongruous with sweet wines, but it’s actually the historical norm for wines from Montefalco in Umbria, one of Italy’s few landlocked regions. 3 million years ago the whole area was covered by sea, but all that remains today is a lake called Trasimeno to the northwest. Even with a centuries-long tradition of these wines being made in this area, the leader is a relative newcomer. Arnaldo Caprai made his money in the textiles business and founded his eponymous estate in the early 1970s, and his son Marco (who has made an appearance in the shop!) has been in charge since 1988. Both dry and sweet Sagrantino often needs age to really shine. Redolent of golden raisins, this is a perfect wintry accompaniment for a plate of nuts and cheeses, and a modern-day version par excellence of an old style of winemaking.
Must be 21 years old to purchase. ID is required at delivery or in-store pickup.