As we already highlighted when we published the list of Umbrian wines awarded Tre Bicchieri, Montefalco—with its hills south of Perugia making up one of Italy’s most fascinating wine-growing areas, also extending into parts of the municipalities of Bevagna, Giano dell'Umbria, Gualdo Cattaneo, and Castel Ritaldi—is undoubtedly the region’s driving force.
The red wines of Montefalco
When speaking of Montefalco today, it no longer solely refers to Montefalco Sagrantino—now complete with a museum dedicated to this varietal, opened last spring. Equally important are the increasingly focused and compelling variations of Montefalco Rosso, the other distinguished red wine of the region.
Montefalco Rosso, the region's most widely produced wine (around 2.5 million bottles), quickly finds its way to cellars. It stands apart from Montefalco Sagrantino, not as a lesser sibling but as a different style altogether, based on a different varietal. Montefalco Rosso (which includes a Riserva option) shares similar soil and climate with Montefalco Sagrantino but relies on Sangiovese (making up 60–80%) with small quantities of Sagrantino (up to 25%). These wines delight in their young, vintage versions and achieve an impressive balance of intensity and elegance in the Riserva releases.
The white wines of Montefalco
Montefalco's whites include Montefalco Grechetto and Montefalco Bianco. The latter showcases the Trebbiano Spoletino varietal (at least 50%), a grape that shone during the Anteprima Montefalco event held in June. Its current state of refinement is apparent in the quality of the 2022 and 2023 vintages, with varied vinification styles that accentuate the grape's aromatic and mineral notes. The Trebbiano Spoletino grape’s preferred DOC is Spoleto, prompting efforts to extend its production area throughout the Montefalco DOC territory.
Two wines particularly impressed during tastings for the Vini d’Italia guide: Montefalco Bianco Plentis 2021 by Terre de La Custodia (awarded Tre Bicchieri) and Montefalco Bianco 2023 by Moretti Omero (a finalist, receiving Due Bicchieri Rossi).
The best Montefalco wines awarded Tre Bicchieri
Here are the 8 wines that received the top honour of Tre Bicchieri in the Gambero Rosso Vini d’Italia 2025 guide.
Montefalco Bianco Plentis 2021 – Terre de La Custodia. Aged for three years, this wine reveals aromatic complexity, depth on the palate, and a floral elegance. The Farchioni family, known for their broad agro-food portfolio, produce wines under the Terre de La Custodia label, which stands out in their offerings. Using native grapes like Sagrantino, Sangiovese, and Grechetto, Terre de La Custodia makes reds and whites with distinct character.
Montefalco Rosso Pomontino 2021 – Tenuta Bellafonte. With Sangiovese lending aromas of berries, spices, and forest floor, the wine is juicy and fresh on the palate. Founded by Peter Heilbron, Tenuta Bellafonte has become a respected name in Montefalco in just over a decade. The winery focuses on sustainable, minimally interventionist techniques and offers four labels that highlight native varietals with a commitment to quality.
Montefalco Rosso Riserva 2020 – Antonelli San Marco. An exceptional vintage, with floral and plum aromas and a harmonious balance between tannin, acidity, and savoury notes. Established in 1881, Antonelli San Marco has 60 hectares dedicated to native varietals, cultivated organically since 2009. Their wines are expressive interpretations of the territory, offering both character and longevity.
Montefalco Rosso Rosso Mattone Riserva 2021 – Briziarelli. This wine is dense yet balanced, with pleasing acidity and a savoury finish. Aromas include berry and noble resin notes. The Briziarelli family began winemaking in Montefalco in the 2000s, with a focus on precision, craftsmanship, and contemporary style. Recent vintages emphasize drinkability and elegance over power.
Montefalco Rosso Ziggurat 2022 – Tenute Lunelli Castelbuono. This smooth, juicy Montefalco Rosso is balanced with freshness and savoury notes. The Lunelli family invested in Montefalco two decades ago, managing around 30 hectares of organically farmed vineyards. Their wines have evolved toward greater finesse, with the estate itself home to the remarkable Carapace cellar designed by Arnaldo Pomodoro.
Montefalco Sagrantino 2020 – Scacciadiavoli. With blackberry and liquorice aromas, this Sagrantino is fresh, savoury, with smooth tannins and a clean finish. Founded in 1884 by Prince Ugo Boncompagni Ludovisi, the estate’s recent history features the Pambuffetti family, who took over in the 1950s. Their 40 hectares are spread across the clay-rich hills of Montefalco, Gualdo Cattaneo, and Giano dell’Umbria.
Sagrantino 25 Anni 2020 – Arnaldo Caprai. This hallmark wine combines complexity, persistence, and elegant tannins with red fruit, spice, and noble resin aromas. Thanks to Marco Caprai, the Arnaldo Caprai estate brought Montefalco wines to international acclaim. Their recent vintages highlight drinkability and finesse, showcasing a modern approach deeply rooted in the traditions of the Montefalco region.
Montefalco Sagrantino Il Bisbetico Domato 2020 – Giampaolo Tabarrini. This wine captures elegance and grace, qualities that elevate it among the best Sagrantinos. The Tabarrini family has been producing wine in Montefalco’s Turrita hills for four generations. In the late '90s, Giampaolo Tabarrini brought a fresh vision to the winery, focusing on quality and constructing a modern cellar. The estate’s wines reveal a straightforward connection to the land, combined with a contemporary production style.
These 8 Montefalco wines, awarded Tre Bicchieri, represent the region’s vibrant diversity and the mastery of traditional winemaking coupled with forward-thinking practices.
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