2022 Bocale Montefalco Rosso
One of the coolest producers coming out from the region of Umbria, The Valentini family creates Bocale Montefalco Rosso as
Producer
Bocale
I have reviewed one wine from Bocale: the 2022 Bocale Montefalco Rosso (94 points).
Bocale is a testament to the artisanal revival of Montefalco. Run by the Valentini family, this small estate makes only about 30,000 bottles a year, and its name, local dialect for a two-litre jug, reflects its honest, handcrafted spirit. The vineyards lie on the gentle slopes around Montefalco, on clay and limestone soils where hot days give concentrated fruit.
The family follows a low-intervention philosophy and avoids barrique, ageing in large oak casks to preserve Sagrantino’s brambly fruit and spice. Its Sagrantino is powerful yet refined, with deep colour, intense tannin and remarkable longevity, without the excessive rusticity often associated with the grape.
The Montefalco Rosso blends Sangiovese with Sagrantino and Merlot: Sangiovese brings freshness, Merlot smoothness and Sagrantino depth and tannic grip. Aged in large barrels and in bottle before release, the 2022 offers red cherry, plum, dried rose, tobacco, balsamic spice and crushed herbs, finishing earthy, a match for roast meats, pasta al ragù and aged pecorino.