Scacciadiavoli Winery
The Enchanting Saga of Sagrantino and Sparkling Sagrantino Rosé
Nestled amidst the picturesque hills of Montefalco in the heart of Umbria, the Scacciadiavoli winery has carved a niche for itself in the world of Italian wine.
With a rich history spanning over a century and a half, Scacciadiavoli is renowned for its commitment to quality and innovation.
The History of Scacciadiavoli Winery
Founded in 1884 by Prince Ugo Boncompagni Ludovisi, Scacciadiavoli derives its name from a fascinating local legend.
The story goes that a 19th-century exorcist who resided in the region used the wines produced here to banish evil spirits, thus giving rise to the name “Scacciadiavoli,” which translates to “devil banisher.” This captivating tale is a testament to the winery’s deep-rooted connection with the land and the community.
The estate changed hands several times over the years, with the Pambuffetti family taking the reins in 1954. Under their stewardship, Scacciadiavoli has flourished, embracing modern winemaking techniques while preserving its rich heritage and dedication to producing exceptional wines.
Today, the 130-hectare estate is a testament to the family’s unwavering commitment to excellence, with 32 hectares dedicated to vineyards that showcase the terroir of Montefalco.
The Wines of Scacciadiavoli
Scacciadiavoli’s portfolio of wines is a reflection of its passion for the land and the grapes that thrive in the Montefalco region. The winery’s offerings range from the well-known Montefalco Rosso and Sagrantino di Montefalco to the lesser-known Trebbiano Spoletino and Grechetto.
However, the crowning glory of Scacciadiavoli lies in its Sagrantino wines, particularly the rare and enchanting Sagrantino sparkling rosé.
Sagrantino: The Star of Montefalco
Sagrantino is an indigenous grape variety that has been cultivated in the Montefalco region for centuries. It is a thick-skinned, tannic grape with a propensity for producing robust, age-worthy wines.
The Scacciadiavoli Sagrantino di Montefalco is a prime example of this varietal’s potential. Made from 100% Sagrantino grapes, it is aged for 36 months in oak barrels, followed by 12 months of bottle aging.
The result is a rich, full-bodied wine with an intense ruby red color, and a bouquet of ripe red fruit, spices, and hints of balsamic. On the palate, the wine reveals its structure and complexity, with velvety tannins and a persistent finish.
Sacciadiavoli Sagrantino Sparkling Rosé is a testament to the winery’s ingenuity and skill. The wine boasts a brilliant, deep pink hue with a delicate, persistent perlage. Its bouquet is a delightful symphony of fresh red berries, rose petals, and nuances of yeast, with a gentle hint of the Sagrantino grape’s characteristic spice.
On the palate, the wine is lively and refreshing, with a pleasing balance of acidity and sweetness that dances gracefully across the tongue. This sparkling rosé is a delightful accompaniment to a variety of dishes, including seafood, charcuterie, and light pasta dishes, as well as a festive aperitif.
Events (and cuisine) at the Scacciadiavoli Winery
The winery has a beautiful dining room for a variety of events, and access to the top celebrity chefs.
During a recent visit in connection with Anteprima Sagrantino, I enjoyed the cuisine of Chef Giulio Gigli who’s modern take on classic cuisine paired very well with the spirit of the Scacciadiavoli Winery.
Chef Gigli is the executive chef and owner of Ristorante Une, in Capodacqua, Umbria.
Gorelli
Visiting the Scacciadiavoli Winery
The estate offers guided tours and tastings, providing visitors with an opportunity to explore the vineyards, learn about the winemaking process, and savor the exceptional wines crafted here.
The estate’s recently renovated wine shop and tasting room, located in a charming, historic building, serves as the perfect setting for wine aficionados to appreciate Scacciadiavoli’s commitment to tradition and innovation.
In Conclusion
Scacciadiavoli winery is a remarkable destination that expertly blends tradition, innovation, and a passion for the land to create truly exceptional wines.
With its captivating history, diverse range of offerings, and unwavering dedication to quality, Scacciadiavoli has secured its position as a leading producer in Montefalco. The winery’s flagship Sagrantino di Montefalco and the intriguing Sagrantino sparkling rosé are shining examples of the estate’s prowess and a celebration of the potential of the Sagrantino grape.
The menu included:
Terrine with foie gras and heritage apples Sphere pink grapefruit and eel Banana chips, veal tongue and green curry
Chicken scotch eggs with apricot dip
Trout in escabeche with dates and fermented almonds
“Inganna preti” pasta with cherries umeboshi, pate, watercress and pigeon broth
Goat with bitter orange radishes and eldberries
Blackberry parfait with barley pudding
Many producers of Sagrantino (and other Umbria) wines brought their wines to share, along with the excellent Scacciadiovoli wines. They include:
Metodo Classico Millesimato 2018, Moretti Omero Brut Rosé Metodo Classico, Scacciadiavoli Grechetto IGT 2022, Moretti Omero Montefalco Bianco DOC, Aria di Casa 2019, Tenuta Alzatura Umbria Bianco IGT, Arnèto 2020, Tenuta Bellafonte Spoleto Trebbiano Spoletino DOC 2021, Cocco Montefalco Rosso DOC 2020, Goretti Montefalco Rosso DOC 2021, Scacciadiavoli Montefalco Sagrantino DOCG 2010, Tenuta Alzatura Montefalco Sagrantino DOCG, Donna Giulia 2015, Le Cimate Montefalco Sagrantino DOCG, Collenottolo 2016, Tenuta Bellafonte Montefalco Sagrantino DOCG 2017, Goretti Spoleto Trebbiano Spoletino Passito DOC 2022, Le Cimate Montefalco Sagrantino Passito DOCG, Fontiola 2016, Cocco
