Sagrantino

Sagrantino wines are deep in colour and high in tannins. In fact, they are often referred to as "Italy's most tannic red wines." Born in Italy, Sagrantino is a dark and dense beverage that's exclusive to Umbria. It's flavour profile ranges from sour black cherry to ripe blackberry, with spicy aromas and earthy characteristics. As a result, Sagrantino is a wine that can be both sweet and savoury, sometimes simultaneously.

The wine is high in tannins and matures in oak incredibly well. The local law states that such wines must be aged for a minimum of 30 months. This makes the tannins sweeter and the wine more approachable, even in its youth. Still, Sagrantino is usually heavier bodied than its blending partner Sangiovese.

The wine is produced by no more than a handful of producers in Montefalco, and it's almost never grown outside of Italy. As a result, the availability of Sagrantino may be limited. Fortunately, there's been more recognition of and interest in the intensely coloured grape. Who knows, maybe we'll see this red wine more often in the upcoming years!

If you'd like to try this wine, buy Sagrantino at the ZYN liquor store in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, or shop online at ZYN.ca!