One of the coolest producers coming out from the region of Umbria, The Valentini family creates Bocale Montefalco Rosso as their small-batch artisanal red wine while honoring traditional practices of the region. The Montefalco Rosso wine production uses Sangiovese together with Sagrantino (Umbrian indigenous variety) and Merlot to create a powerful elegant wine that represents the region. The vineyards of Bocale are situated on the gentle slopes surrounding Montefalco where clay and limestone soils and hot daytime temperatures produce concentrated and intense fruit flavors. The wine undergoes aging in large barrels and bottles before its release to achieve perfect harmony. The wine presents a complex aroma with red cherry and plum scents alongside dried rose notes and tobacco and balsamic spice and crushed herbs. The wine's structure comes from Sangiovese freshness while Merlot adds smoothness and Sagrantino provides depth and tannic grip which results in an earthy finish. The wine pairs perfectly with roast meats and pasta ragù and aged pecorino cheese. A wine truly Italian!
2022 Bocale Montefalco Rosso
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.