From: Umbria, Italy
Varietal: Grechetto
Taste: It presents a bouquet rich in intense aromas of exotic fruit and yellow peach intertwined with the delicate floral notes of freesia and hawthorn. A pleasing chalkiness emerges on the finish, adding a unique dimension to its aromatic complexity. On the palate, the wine unfolds with a full and fresh taste, marked by a blend of green apple and citrus, complemented by a subtle hint of almond. The crisp and vibrant character is further enhanced by flavors of lemon zest and pear, while a subtle minerality weaves through to a long, persistent finish.
Pairing: Grechetto, with its roots deeply embedded in the land-locked terrains of Umbria, surprisingly reveals an affinity for the sea, pairing exceptionally well with robust seafare like tuna. Its crisp acidity and aromatic complexity cut through the richness of steak-like fish. Beyond the aquatic realm, Grechetto finds harmony on land, especially with the autumnal warmth of pumpkin-stuffed pasta (Tortelli di zucca). The wine's dry profile complements the sweet and savory filling of the pasta, creating a delightful contrast that enhances the nuances of both. With their golden crust and tender meat, Parmesan-crusted scallops resonate with Grechetto's mineral undertones and vibrant fruit notes. For those with a penchant for the sweet, Grechetto's versatility shines through when paired with almond cookies. The wine's subtle almond and citrus notes play off the sweetness and texture of the cookies
Pumpkin Ravioli with Sage Walnut Pumpkin ButterRecipe from Kate Reilly
Adapted by The New York Times
About: Arnaldo Caprai is a winery in the Montefalco region of Umbria, Italy. It is particularly renowned for its role in producing and promoting Sagrantino di Montefalco, a red wine made from the indigenous Sagrantino grape. The winery was founded in 1971 by Arnaldo Caprai, a successful textile businessman who decided to invest in the potential of his local area's winemaking traditions and the Sagrantino grape. He acquired forty-two hectares of Montefalco, four already planted in the Val Di Maggio estate. His vision was to produce high-quality wines and elevate the status of local varieties on both a national and international level. His decision to invest in the Sagrantino grape variety and the Montefalco region of Umbria was pivotal in revitalizing and promoting Sagrantino di Montefalco, a wine with ancient origins but was relatively unknown at the time.
Over the years, the winery, now led by Arnaldo's son, Marco Caprai, has been at the forefront of research and innovation in viticulture and winemaking techniques. This commitment has involved significant investment in scientific research and collaboration with universities and research institutes. The goal has been to optimize viticultural practices to enhance the grape quality and, consequently, the wine.
Arnaldo Caprai winery's efforts have significantly contributed to the recognition and appreciation of Sagrantino di Montefalco, which has gained a DOCG (Denominazione di Origine Controllata e Garantita) status, Italy's highest wine classification. The winery is known for its dedication to sustainability and environmental responsibility, adopting practices that ensure the health and longevity of the vineyards and surrounding ecosystems.
Colli Martani is a wine-producing area in Umbria, central Italy, recognized for its diverse range of high-quality wines. The Colli Martani DOC (Denominazione di Origine Controllata) encompasses a hilly region stretching across the heart of Umbria, offering ideal conditions for viticulture, including favorable climate, diverse soil types, and excellent grapevine exposure. This area is mainly known for its white wines made from Grechetto, a grape variety that thrives in Umbria, and is celebrated for its aromatic profile and crisp acidity. In addition to Grechetto, Colli Martani DOC produces various other wines, including reds, rosés, and other white wines from different grape varieties, both indigenous and international.
