NEWSLETTER | ISSUE XXXII | JULY 2020 | NATIONAL VIAS IMPORTS LTD. 875 6TH AVE SUITE 1500 NEW YORK, NY 10001 | 212-629-0200 | VIASWINE.COM | @VIASWINE JULY 2020 UMBRIA IN FULL COLOR JULY 2020 "Scientific research [helps] to produce better and healthier wines so that wine continues to be both a modern and a centuries-old source of pleasure." Colpetrone offerings in the US include Sagrantino, Montefalco Rosso, and Passito UMBRIA: THE GREEN Take a peek into two sacred wine regions LUNG OF ITALY of Umbria: featuring Colpetrone and Montefalco and Argillae Orvieto Umbria is a region located in the heart of Italy. The the Benedictine monks, who were the first to plant region offers a wide variety of landscapes through vineyards in the calcareous clay and sandy soil that the succession of valleys, mountain ranges, pla- extends over much of the region. A land-locked teaus and plains, which constitute the dominant area in the heart of Italy, Umbria has a climate and geographical feature. The territory is mainly hilly geography like Tuscany’s, with cold, rainy winters and and mountainous. Umbria borders Tuscany to dry sun-filled summers. An exception is an area sur- the north-west and west; Lazio to the south and rounding Lake Trasimeno and Lake Bolsena, where a “Unforgettable south-west; Marche to the north-east and east. mild, Mediterranean microclimate dominates. This region offers an intriguing mix of history, art In this ancient land we proudly represent Colpetrone Umbria is an and culture that serves as the perfect complement winery our flag for the sacred wine of Sagrantino and to its fine food and wine. A land of lush rolling hills, the Argillae Winery that well represent Orvieto wines. ideal ancient medieval villages, delectable wines, and Around the middle of the 1400s, it was some Fran- sumptuous regional cuisine, unforgettable Umbria ciscan friars who brought the Sagrantino from Asia destination for is an ideal destination for gourmands. Minor, the same etymology of the name would lead Vines grow in virtually every part of the territory, back to the sacral function of the wine cultivated by with 13 denominazione di origine controllata the friars (also) for this purpose. In the XVII century a gourmands.” (DOC) wines and two denominazione di origine precept by Cardinal Boncompagni, which sanctioned controllata e garantita (DOCG). whoever was caught cutting a vine of Sagrantino up The winemaking history can be traced back to to the gallows. VIAS MONTHLY | 1 2 | VIAS MONTHLY JULY 2020 UMBRIA IN FULL COLOR JULY 2020 CÒLPETRONE "Scientific Sagrantino has had a long history in Italy, express the nature of Umbria’s potential. Today, but only on October 30, 1980 did Sagrantino Còlpetrone is owned by Gruppo Unipol, one research di Montefalco obtain the recognition of its the largest insurance companies in Europe, but [helps] to own DOC, and again in 1992 with DOCG sta- it’s mission remains: to represent and fulfill the tus. There are 1062 acres of Montefalco DOC, fullest of Sagrantino’s potential, and to share it produce better and 853 acre for Montefalco Sagrantino with the world. DOCG. This grape is the key to the region’s and healthier success even if it represents just 7% of the Sagrantino from Còlpetrone is slightly different wines so that total vineyards planted here. Sangiovese is than other wineries in the area. Currently, they still Umbria’s principal variety. are experimenting with what they call “the wine continues third way of Sagrantino,” a method that involves Còlpetrone is located in Gualdo Cattaneo, ripening the grapes just to the point of extreme, to be both a founded in 1995 as one of the most im- being very careful to not overripen them. modern and a portant wineries in the Montefalco DOCG The bunches enjoy total exposure to the heat district. Located in a hilly area situated in of the sun, thanks to careful management centuries-old an excellent position, Còlpetrone is one of of a spurred cordon system. This vine grow- the leading privates estate of Sagrantino ing system is commonly used for Sagrantino, source of di Montefalco wines with their 87 acres of because the vine requires bright exposure pleasure." Sagrantino vineyards. A historical win- to the light, while the Guyot method creates ery, they “rediscovered” the most ancient shady situations. A 50% thinning of the bunch- Sagrantino grapes and defined a new goal: es is carried out on the vines when the grapes to create wines with a sense of place that have reached 80% of their natural ripeness. In particular, the bunches most distant from the stem are severed, those that would have had more difficulty absorbing potassium. This gives character to the grapes, but it is not easy to as- similate, so great attention is paid to capturing it in the bunches closest to the trunk, so as not to disperse it. Finally, these selected and richest grapes are Colpetrone offerings in vinified with a different process than usual: the the US include Sagrantino, Montefalco skins are separated during fermentation (when Rosso, and Passito only 70% of the sugars have already been trans- formed into alcohol), then 30% of the “new” Sagrantino ferments without skins, to avoid ex- cessive concertation of polyphenols. The result is not excessive richness of ripe tannins, with a more ready and truly enjoyable wine. UMBRIA: THE GREEN Take a peek into two sacred wine regions The Còlpetrone Estate is part of Tenute del Cerro, founded in 1978, that is also part of the LUNG OF ITALY of Umbria: Wine Research Team, a group that represents featuring Colpetrone and Montefalco and an Italian wine making philosophy that believes Argillae Orvieto in the value of scientific research, and uses it to produce better and healthier wines so that wine continues to be both a modern and a centu- ry-old source of pleasure. There are around 30 wineries from Piedmont to Calabria that are looked after by winemaker and consultant Riccardo Cotarella, who is indeed from Umbria, “Unforgettable and is currently president of two associations, Assoenologi and the Union Internationale des Umbria is an Oenologues. ideal destination for gourmands.” VIAS MONTHLY | 1 2 | VIAS MONTHLY Vineyards of Argillae JULY 2020 JULY 2020 THE WINES Umbria offers an intriguing mix of Though Umbria is one of history, art and the smallest Italian regions and the only one culture that that is completely serves as the landlocked, the wines that come from here are perfect ARGILLAE GRECHETTO 2019 certainly world-class. complement to its 100% Grechetto. fine food and The wine is rich in character, with floral, citrus, and tropical aromas. It has a broad, wine. complex, fruity, and enduring finish. Perfect as an aperitif, with fried fish, shellfish, grilled white meat, or mild cheese. CÒLPETRONE ROSSO 2014 Giulia di Cosimo and Giuseppe Bollo The blend include Sangiovese, Sagrantino, and Merlot. ARGILLAE the prestigious Bocconi University, and spent sumers and workers. To accomplish this pur- Full and enveloping roundness on the palate, a few years working for fashion brands as a pose they started from building their cellars Orvieto is one of the most ancient known with tannins that give it strength and consultant. Unfulfilled, she decided to leave for to blend with the surrounding environment: white wines, that standing alone, represents the quiet and green land of Umbria to pursue the first floor is underground, reducing the character. Perfect with white and red meats, 75% of white wine production in the region. her grandfather’s dream. She was stubborn environmental impact and avoiding energy either grilled or roasted. Winemaking tradition in Umbria has an from the beginning, and even though she was consumption for temperature control. The ancient origin from the Etruscan people, a young woman with no experience in a world cellar heating system is fueled by biomass a who used to dig wine cellars into the tuffa- ARGILLAE ORVIETO 2018 mainly dominated by men, she found a way to 100% green energy. ceous massif, typical of the area, and leave Colpetrone offerings in be welcomed and respected. the wine fermenting there. From Medieval the US include The blend includes Grechetto, Procanico, By adhering to the Agroambiente,Sagrantino, a five Montefalco year times through to the Renaissance, Orvieto has Malvasia, Chardonnay, and Sauvignon In Giulia’s mind, the primary goal is to value European Program, Argillae has committedRosso, and Passito to always been one of the favorite wines to the Blanc, each vinified separately, CÒLPETRONE SAGRANTINO 2011 Argillae’s territory, focusing on quality over reducing the use of agrochemicals and pesti- Pope’s court; so much so that Gregorio XVI quantity and educating the market on indig- cides below a certain amount. This obligation demanded to be washed with this wine before On the nose, it is intense with floral, citrus, 100% Sagrantino. enous white grapes from Umbria. Her first affects all agronomic activities (vineyards, olive being buried. and tropical aromas. Pure elegance ambitious project was to build 3 terracotta groves and agricultural land). Through data it emerges on the palate with extraordinary With 12 months aged in wood, the palate is amphorae from scratch using the local soil in is possible to know when a treatment is neces- And it is here in the Orvieto DOC area where freshness. decisive, strong, and has tannic which to ferment wine. The wise guidance and sary and when it is not and only using natural Argillae is found. Argillae is a winery that concentration. Ages very well for many expertise of consultant Lorenzo Landi were the fertilizer. The wastewater is completely purified was born backwards; meaning it went from years. Great with roasted red meats, keys for these successful amphorae wines.