Tabarini
Giampaolo Tabarrini may be the “coolest” winemaker I’ve met – and the most enigmatic.
First meeting Mr.Tabarrini a few years back in Umbria, he struck me as fun, engaging, and outgoing. With his playful spirit and attractive personality, he would be the perfect “actor” for Shakespeare to cast as “Puck” in a production of “A Mid-Summer Night’s Dream.”
But on this last visit, in a private lunch held in his new winery to honor Anteprima Sagrantino, he presented his more serious face; part Professor Emeritus of the Montefalco wine world (he is the president of the Montefalco Consorzio). Giampaolo is not just a winemaker; he is a crusader on a mission to propel Umbria’s native grapes to the lofty heights they deserve
The Montefalco Wine Adventure Begins
From a young age, Giampaolo was in tune with the rhythms of vineyard life, learning the craft from his grandfather, who established the winery.
This early exposure gave him an acute understanding of the land and a deep connection to the historical and cultural traditions of Montefalco.
Giampaolo successfully straddled the delicate tightrope between respecting the past and embracing the future, resulting in a revolutionary approach to winemaking that has catapulted Giampaolo Tabarrini to the global stage.
Soul of Montefalco
Giampaolo’s philosophy is as clear as the wines he produces: authenticity, purity, and expression of the land. For Giampaolo, Sagrantino is not just a grape variety; it is the soul of Montefalco—a spirited embodiment of its terroir. Known for its robust tannins and complex flavors,
Tabarrini: Montefalco Community
He believes that, while individual expression is crucial, collective collaboration is equally important for the region’s success. His vision is one where winemakers work together to promote Montefalco, share knowledge and ideas, and collaboratively tackle the challenges the region faces.
He also strongly advocates for wine education and tourism, seeing them as vehicles for elevating Montefalco’s reputation on the global stage. Giampaolo is keen on developing immersive experiences that allow visitors to intimately understand the land, the grapes, and the people that make Montefalco wine so special.
Despite the accolades and international recognition, Giampaolo remains grounded. To him, wine is a labor of love between humans and nature. This dance requires patience, intuition, and respect for the land. And it is his love for Sagrantino and the land of Montefalco that drives him to continue his pursuit of excellence.
Giampaolo Tabarrini is a maverick on a mission.
Through his dedication to authenticity, his dynamic visions for the future, and his passion for Sagrantino and Montefalco, Giampaolo shapes Tabarrini’s winery and plays a pivotal role in defining the future of Montefalco wine.
Tabarrini’s wines, much like the man himself, are a testament to the power of passion, persistence, and an unwavering belief in one’s vision.
As we look to the future of Montefalco, Giampaolo’s leadership and vision, the region is in capable hands, suggests the Sagrantino grape and Montefalco’s other varietals will thrive.
