First ever Grechetto I tasted was by Sergio Mottura with its porcupine label. Since then I might have tasted 2 or 3 more.
I became fond of the variety for its delicate touch and fruit forward qualities.
When I was offered the opportunity to taste the Montefalco Rosso DOC by Arnaldo-Caprai (Montefalco, Umbria), I asked the importer if they could send a bottle of white as well.
They did and the white happened to be a Grechetto from same producer.
To be specific, it was the Grecante Grechetto dei Colli Martani DOC (2009), 100% Grechetto.
Grapes are hand-picked late August-early September, gently pressed and then fermented at low temperature which is how wine keeps its fine characteristics then aged in stainless steel.
It goes well with seafood, trout or halibut for example. Since I was recovering from a cold and did not have a big appetite, I sipped a bit as an apperitif and with a hearty soup.
Pleasant to sip, not so great with soup nothing wrong with the wine mind you. A day later I bought a few oysters and it made for better pair.
Nose, think of walking in the hills and getting all of nature's aromas teasing your senses…Color like…Chamomile tea.
Grechetto is often used as a blending grape especially in Orvieto.
Switching to red, as much as the Grecante is delicate, the Montefalco Rosso DOC, 2007 (a blend of Sangiovese 70%, Sagrantino 15% and Merlot 15%) is rich, vigorous, deep ruby red robe…
This serious wine calls for food. I had braised beef then cheese with it and there was a happy fellow.
I just wish I had another bottle handy for the next day.
What can I say? Even the best things end…
I wonder how different the experience will be if and when I have the chance to taste the same wines in Montefalco instead of having Umbria in my glass.
The winery adopted sustainable methods.
To conclude on the literary note, Arnaldo-Caprai started a project named Bottled Poetry, with sentences related to the wine worldthe corks of their Top Sagrantino 25 Anni.
(Both wines are in the $20 range…)