A mix of red and blue fruit with hints of violets, dried herbs and licorice undertones. Spiced and racy on the palate with juicy red fruit and chalky tannins. A little salty at the end. Drink or hold.

I very much enjoyed this entry-level blend of 70% Sangiovese, 15% Sagrantino and 15% other complementary grapes. The 2018 Montefalco Rosso (with 28,000 bottles released) strikes good balance with a very dark and plump fruit component that is contrasted by freshness, cola and drying mineral sensations. This vintage had its challenges for sure with a rainy spring and hot summer, but the team at Perticaia has managed to navigate these issues. I'd imagine a pairing with meatloaf or grilled pork chops.

With a release date of Fall 2021, the Perticaia 2017 Montefalco Rosso is a bit more austere than the other wines in this group, with notes of cherry cola, tilled earth, pressed blue flowers and some tarry smoke. It has a dry finish. Overall, this is a pretty blend of Sagrantino and Sangiovese that makes for easy drinking with pasta. Production stands at 25,000 bottles.

This denomination sees Sangiovese blended with a smaller part Sagrantino. The 2014 Montefalco Rosso is a dark, saturated and enriched red wine to pair with grilled sausages with onion and bell pepper. The wine is thickly layered and stacked tall with bold blackberry fruit, spice and cured pipe tobacco. This is a great, food-friendly red wine.

The estate’s 2006 Montefalco Rosso is a very pretty, stylish wine. Ripe red fruits, flowers and sweet spices are some of the nuances that emerge from this delicious, entry-level red. The Rosso is mostly Sangiovese, Sagrantino, Colorino and Merlot. Anticipated maturity: 2009-2012. This small estate makes some of the most approachable fruit-forward wines in the Montefalco appellation. Importer: North Berkeley Imports, Berkeley, CA; tel. (510) 336-9880