Sagrantino is one of my favourite varieties so I have been genuinely looking forward to trying this wine. The varieties spiritual home is Montefalco in Umbria. Often the tannin management of Sagrantino in Montefalco is to try it when it’s around 10 years and see if the tannins have softened enough – a hallmark of the variety is it’s monster tannins but there are some excellent renditions in Australia where the tannin management has been subjected to more artistry from the wine maker.
This wine is certainly one of considered artistry, in fact when I first tried it at the cellar door in June this year it was barely recognisable as a Sagrantino but that has changed a little since.
Bright and reflective with radiant hues in the glass, purple at the meniscus and more rose red in the depths not quite the dark depths of the Italians or even Olivers Taranga but this one is 13.8 a/v so a little drinker friendlier all round. The bouquet is quite intriguing with some black currants and sweet black liquorice wafting in a background of ripe red plums and almost covertly suggesting a slight conjoined violet lavender fragrance.
The palate is medium bodied at most and offers layers of black currants rippling with ripe raspberries, liquorice with a slight chocolatey aspect and some dark olives. The black tea tannins are very fine and they contain just a little dried herb aspect which for me is one of the signatures of Sagrantino although offered quite late in this one. There is a good balanced acidity which, in combination with the fruit, produces a luscious savouriness and the soft hands of the aged the puncheon are a non-intrusive support.
This is undeniably a different rendition of Sagrantino which I enjoy the more time I spend with it and come to appreciate that it still has some Sagrantino Signatures. Give it time to breathe it will offer more and more it is delightfully elegant for a Sagrantino, the tannin averse should experience no issues with this wine.
Tasted: Sunday 25th August, 2024 without food and then with over several hours.
Alcohol: 13.8%
Closure: Diam
Price: $69
Suggested Drinking Window: 2024 – 2036
Winemaker: Mark Ravenscroft, Nick Roberts, Caitlin Hawkes Roberts
Fruit Source: Chalmers, Mildura
Oak: 2 years in an aged French puncheon
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