It will come as no shock that I love wine. It’s been such an integral part of some of my favourite memories. Cheersing with friends, sipping over a romantic meal or just to enjoy alongside a recipe I concoct in the kitchen at home when I have some down time. I also LOVE to discover new wine and tell you all about it!
It’s why when I was introduced to Sagrantino di Montefalco (via our friends at The Italian Chamber of Commerce of Ontario) coming to Ontario this fall, I simply had to tell you. I will be personally stocking up the moment these bottles hit the shelves and I’ve got all the reasons why you should do the same.
When it comes to wine, we are all faced with countless options and sometimes it can be a bit daunting. The reason why I am so excited for the launch of these wines in particular is because they will help to show you the beauty of Italian wine. As a wine region, Italy produces some of the world’s most famous varietals. The difference with Sagrantino di Montefalco is that I bet you’ve probably never tried it.
“In the sparsely populated hamlet of Montefalco, located in the picturesque central Italian region of Umbria, lies one of Italy’s best-kept secrets: the Sagrantino grape. … Sagrantino is a bold and tannic varietal, with a powerful footing and a fruity bouquet. Rustic and hearty fare such as prime cuts of steak, game meat and aromatic cheeses will find a willing accomplice in this dry and robust red. By the 1960s, the varietal nearly disappeared; however, due to the efforts of a handful of producers, as well as the Montefalco Wine Consortium, it is making a comeback”
Through its Wine Desk program, the Italian Chamber of Commerce of Ontario (ICCO) began working with the Montefalco Consortium in 2014 to introduce the region and Sagrantino. Thanks to their dedication and love of the region, Ontario residents and those visiting Ontario will now have the opportunity to enjoy this well kept secret!
Currently, the varietal is available by private order in Ontario. Thanks to a huge push into the Canadian market, the following bottles will be available at your local LCBO by this fall. Just in time for hearty meals with the family and the beautiful foliage. It’s time to create more beautiful memories to cherish & savour thanks to Sagrantino di Montefalco.
Arnaldo Caprai, Scacciadiavoli, Perticaia, Colpetrone, Le Cimate, and Tenuta Bellafonte are just a few of the wineries that are part of the Sagrantino di Montefalco family of wines making a name for themselves in Canada, which come this fall, will be easier to access for the everyday wine lover.
New wines coming to the LCBO this fall:
- Arnaldo Caprai (DOC 2013 Anima Umbra Rosso, $16.95, released November 28, 2015)
- Scacciadiavoli Grechetto Umbria IGT 2014 (, $14.95, Release date: October 31, 2015)
- Scacciadiavoli Montefalco Rosso DOC 2011 ($21.00, released September 19, 2015)
Did I also mention that I love to cook? Recipes that include cooking with Italian wine while pairing with them are the best way to showcase the beauty of that wine. Case in point, my favourite recipe using Sagrantino below. Warning. This will make you hungry.
For all these reasons and so many more, I can’t wait for the new releases of Sagrantino di Montefalco coming to Ontario this fall!
To follow along with the wine discovery we can’t wait to experience, make sure to follow @ConsSagrantino & @Italchambers on Twitter. Tag us in your first sip with friends and family as you discover the Sagrantino grape. We can’t wait to be a part of your special moments.
For more behind the scenes of this and other amazing events we are attending across the country, make sure to follow along with the #DoTheDaniel Instagram account. We would love to have you join us on our daily adventures around the world!
Photos: Sagrantino di Montefalco & Italian Chamber of Commerce of Ontario
Saluti!
Please remember to enjoy responsibly and never drink and drive.