2020 Tenuta Bellafonte Montefalco 'Pomontino'

2018 was a Tre Bicchieri winner from superstar winemaker Beppe Caviola! 80% Sangiovese and 20% Sagrantino from vineyards located in Bevagna, Umbria. The fruit is farmed organically, although its not certified. The unpressed grapes go through spontaneous fermentation. The wine then ages twelve months in Slavonian oak before being bottled unfined and unfiltered. The name is a tribute to the town of “Pomonte,” which overlooks the vineyard. 

Light ruby red with notes of pomegranate, red currant, sour cherry, bitter orange and a touch of blackberry. A supple, savory palate with a good acid backbone and light tannins. Lovely orange notes on the long finish. Lovely with pasta with meat sauce, roasts and semi-aged cheese.

Peter Heilbron, a Milanese-born executive from the food and beverage sector, fell in love with Umbria’s calm setting while he was working for Nestlé. After a few years as CEO of Martini & Rossi, then Heineken Italy, Peter decided to act on his passion for the unique terroir of Montefalco and Sagrantino di Montefalco DOCG, a powerful new star in Italian wine. For Peter, Bellafonte is a dream come true; he had always had the desire to interpret a territory and wine with ancient roots in a new way. He purchased 74 acres (30 hectares) close to Bevagna, in one of the region’s most untouched, pristine landscapes. The estate was built in order to have complete energy balance and minimal environmental impact, with photovoltaic panels and a biomass heater which also utilizes the crop residues. The entire property aims to blend into the landscape, with an underground winery and cellars and minimal impact on the environment.: no damage, no waste; even the residues of pruning are employed to produce energy. The winery itself rests on a stainless steel and stone structure in direct contact with the rocky soil, and enjoys ideal ventilation thanks to underground conduits that circulate outside air and ensure naturally cool temperatures. Hot air exits the winery through two massive chimneys. In Peter’s words “We wish to create a great wine, which respects both nature and tradition, by interpreting the natural exuberance of Sagrantino grapes in an elegant and refined way.”