Roccafiore Melograno Umbria Sangiovese 2021

Cantina Roccafiore farms 15 hectares (almost 40 acres) of vineyards in the rolling hills of the Umbrian countryside near the town of Todi. The Baccarelli family (father and son) bought the property in 1999, planted the local Grechetto and Sangiovese along with small parcels of Moscato Giallo, Sagrantino, and Montepulciano.

Umbria, often called the "green heart of Italy," is a landlocked region in central Italy known for its rolling hills, medieval hilltop towns, and rich cultural heritage. While less well-known internationally than some neighboring regions like Tuscany and Piedmont, Umbria has a long history of winemaking dating back to ancient times.

Umbria is primarily known for its red wines made from the Sagrantino grape, which is indigenous to the region. Sagrantino produces deeply colored, full-bodied wines with robust tannins and intense flavors of dark fruit, spices, and earth. These wines are often bold and age-worthy, with the potential to develop complex aromas and flavors over time. Sagrantino di Montefalco is the most famous expression of this grape and is made predominantly in the town of Montefalco.

Another essential grape variety in Umbria is Sangiovese, which is widely planted and used in red and rosé wines. Sangiovese-based wines tend to be medium-bodied with bright acidity, red fruit flavors, and floral aromas.

Grechetto is the dominant grape variety in Umbria for white wines. It produces crisp, aromatic wines with notes of citrus, green apple, and herbs. These wines are often refreshing and pair well with seafood and light pasta dishes.

The main wine-producing area in Umbria is the **Montefalco** region, located in the province of Perugia. Montefalco is famous for its Sagrantino di Montefalco wines and its Montefalco Rosso blends, which typically include Sangiovese, Sagrantino, and sometimes other grape varieties like Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon.

Another notable wine region in Umbria is Orvieto, located in the province of Terni. Orvieto is known for its eponymous white wine, Orvieto Classico, made primarily from Grechetto and Trebbiano grapes. Orvieto Classico is a crisp, dry wine with floral aromas and citrusy flavors, often enjoyed as an aperitif or paired with light appetizers.

Umbria has a continental climate with hot, dry summers and cold winters. The region's diverse topography, which includes hills, valleys, and plains, creates a variety of microclimates that influence the character of the wines. The volcanic soils of Montefalco and the limestone-rich soils of Orvieto contribute to the unique terroir of Umbria's vineyards, imparting distinct mineral nuances to the wines.