Today we are in Gualdo Cattaneo, one of the five municipalities that make up the so-called “balcony of Umbria”, as the Montefalco area is known for its views of Assisi, Spoleto and Perugia. Here, Còlpetrone cultivates vineyards at an altitude of 220 to 470 metres above sea level, on clayey-calcareous soils, the legacy of ancient seabeds. Here, the beneficial temperature range between day and night helps to produce wines characterised by clean aromas. This Montefalco Rosso is based on Sangiovese, Sagrantino and Merlot, harvested at full ripeness in mid-September. The varieties ferment together in temperature-controlled steel tanks, with pumping over and délestage to extract colour and aromas. After racking, the wine remains in steel, where it decants naturally and then ages for several months in the bottle before sale. A simple and straightforward process, designed to preserve the fragrance of the fruit and make it easy to drink every day. In the glass, it is dense ruby red with purple reflections. The aroma is clean: ripe raspberry, sour cherry and a touch of black pepper and vanilla. In the mouth, it is full but smooth: the roundness of the Merlot softens the tannins, while the Sagrantino adds grit on the finish, which closes with a pleasant note of crisp red fruit. Its versatility is its real strength: it pairs well with mixed grills, roast chicken and pork. Excellent with classic pappardelle with wild boar ragù, baked lasagne and medium-aged Umbrian cheeses.