Antonelli San Marco
The Antonelli San Marco winery is located in the heart of Umbria, in the Montefalco area, which is known for producing some of the best wines in Italy. The winery was founded in 1881 by Francesco Antonelli, and it has been owned and operated by the Antonelli family ever since.
I had the good fortune to visit during the Anteprima Sagrantino 2023. The first thing I noticed about this lovely wine estate is that looks like a lovely, countryside home – not one of the largest producing wineries in Montefalco.
Antonelli San Marco History
The history of the Antonelli family and their winery is deeply intertwined with the history of Umbria and the surrounding area.
The Antonelli family has been involved in the wine industry in Umbria for generations, and they have played an important role in the development of the Montefalco wine region.
The Grapes
The Sagrantino grape is the most important grape variety grown in Montefalco, and it is the signature grape of the Antonelli San Marco winery.
Sagrantino is a deeply colored, full-bodied grape variety that is high in tannins and has a long aging potential. The Antonelli San Marco winery producesseveral different versions of Sagrantino, including a Sagrantino di Montefalco DOCG, a Sagrantino di Montefalco Passito DOCG, and a Sagrantino di Montefalco Colle alle Macchie DOCG.
One of the most interesting things I discovered when touring the wineries interior is that the family uses various types of maturation vessels to age the wine, including a mix of wood, amphora, and amphora-shaped cement vessels.
The Range of Wines
Sagrantino di Montefalco DOCG
The Sagrantino di Montefalco DOCGis the flagship wine of the Antonelli San Marco winery. It is considered one of the finest examples of Sagrantino in the world.
This wine is made from 100% Sagrantino grapes, and it is aged for at least 30 months before it is released. The wine has a deep ruby red color and a complex aroma that includes notes of blackberry, black cherry, and spice. On the palate, the wine is full-bodied and rich, with firm tannins and a long, persistent finish.
Sagrantino di Montefalco Passito DOCG
The Sagrantino di Montefalco Passito DOCG is a sweet wine made from dried Sagrantino grapes. The grapes are left to dry for several months before they are pressed, which concentrates the sugars and flavors in the grapes.
The wine is then aged for at least 36 months before it is released. The wine has a deep garnet color and a complex aroma that includes notes of dried fruit, honey, and spice. On the palate, the wine is full-bodied and rich, with a long, sweet finish.
Sagrantino di Montefalco Colle alle Macchie DOCG
The Sagrantino di Montefalco Colle alle Macchie DOCG is a single vineyard wine that is made from Sagrantino grapes grown on the Colle alle Macchie vineyard.
The wine is aged for at least 36 months before it is released. The wine has a deep ruby red color and a complex aroma that includes notes of blackberry, plum, and spice. On the palate, the wine is full-bodied and rich, with firm tannins and a long, persistent finish.
In addition to their Sagrantino wines, the Antonelli San Marco winery also produces several other wines, including a Montefalco Rosso DOC, a Grechetto dei Colli Martani DOC, and a Trebbiano Spoletino IGT.
The Montefalco Rosso DOC is a blend of Sangiovese, Sagrantino, and Merlot grapes, and it is aged for at least 18 months before it is released. The wine has a deep ruby red color and a complex aroma that includes notes of red fruit, tobacco, and spice. On the palate, the wine is full-bodied and balanced, with a long, smooth finish.
The Grechetto dei Colli Martani DOC is a white wine made from Grechetto grapes. The wine is aged in stainless steel tanks for several months before it is released.
This wine has a pale yellow color and a fresh, fruity aroma that includes notes of citrus, peach, and honey. On the palate, the wine is crisp and refreshing, with a long, balanced finish.
The Trebbiano Spoletino IGT is a white wine made from Trebbiano Spoletino grapes, which are a rare and ancient grape variety that is native to Umbria. The wine is aged in stainless steel tanks for several months before it is released. The wine has a pale straw yellow color and a complex aroma that includes notes of white flowers, peach, and almond. On the palate, the wine is full-bodied and balanced, with a long, persistent finish.
One of the unique aspects of the Antonelli San Marco winery is its commitment to sustainable and organic farming practices. The winery has implemented a number of environmentally friendly practices, such as using cover crops to control erosion, reducing the use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides, and using natural methods to control pests and diseases.
New Developments
During my tour, I saw the newly built room for tourisrts to taste the wine. This room, overlooking the beautiful pastoral landscape, can also be used for weddings and other parties.
Final Thoughts
Whether you are a seasoned wine connoisseur or a casual wine lover, a visit to the Antonelli San Marco winery is an experience that should not be missed.
