Today is Fri. July 5th. We are here in Todi, Italy. We will travel north for about 5.8km (12 min.) to Cantina Tudernum to have a tasting at their facility. I picked this tasting because it is unique from the other wineries we visit. We are greeted by Ala who has been educated and graduated with a degree in oenology. She starts off by telling us that this is a co-op of 228 growers. Some growers can contribute their harvest from as little as 1 hectare of vineyard. The co-op was founded in 1958. About 40% of their annual production is exported.
Tasting notes
Grechetto di Todi D.O.C. – 2018
Specific to this physical terroir and area, they can produce a DOC that is named Grechetto di Todi specifically from the Grechetto clone #LG5. Harvest is in the latter half of September, although with current rising temps, this could change. Ala mentions that this varietal produces a yield of about 200,000 bottles. The Grechetto grape is specifically indigenous to this area and therefore offers a unique flavor profile unlike any other white varietals planted in Umbria. This wine is 100% Grechetto di Todi.
Upon tasting there is a clear nose of floral elements. This wine is aged in stainless steel tanks so all the flavor can be attributed to this varietal’s flourishing in this region. I truly enjoyed this wine and what they refer to as the unique varietal’s almond flavor on finish. This wine is only sold by the bottle. It’s a wonderful wine that is perfect for so many light dishes and summertime meals under the trees.
€3,50
Sangrantino di Montefalco D.O.C.G. 2011
This Sangrantino varietal comes specifically from the Montefalco region within the province of Perugia. Cantina Tudernum owns a small vineyard of 7 hectares that are used to produce this wine. In the past a sweeter variety of this wine was produced by and for the church. The name of this wine therefore was derived from the Latin “Sacrum” meaning “sacrament”.
Montefalco Sagrantino Secco DOCG
Under Italian law, the term “Montefalco Sagrantino Secco DOCG” defines a wine obtained exclusively from Sagrantino grapes, produced exclusively in a defined area around Montefalco in the Province of Perugia, in the Umbria region of central Italy. The defined area also includes areas around Giano dell’Umbria, Bevagna, Gualdo Cattaneo and Castel Ritaldi.[2] The wine must be aged for a minimum of 37 months, of which at least 12 months must be in oak barrels.[3] The combination of the very thick-skinned sagrantino grape and the long aging time in oak produces a typically very dense, full-bodied wine, with a very high tannin content. This makes for excellent storage characteristics, which are required since it is highly astringent when young, but improves with age.[1]
courtesy of Wikipedia
This is a highly structured wine with a lot to “chew”, dark berries, a bit of earth and some marked sweetness. It’s dense, it’s deep and and it’s extremely delicious! Wild boar and porchetta dishes are two local meat choices that come to mind when deciding what to pair with this wine. Alternatively the boldness of this wine and staying power of the finish will enable you to choose some stronger cheeses. While this wine will outlast any cheese you enjoy with it, standing up to the cheese is half the battle sometimes, right? Wait for the heat of summer to burn off a bit and invite your most favorite friends to enjoy this with. Also since this wine will wait for you for many years, be really selective on who you this share with. Oh and yes keep some for yourself (of course).
€14,50
Our thanks to Ala for hosting our tasting and introducing us to the their wonderful varietals of Sagrantino di Montefalco and Grechetto di Todi.
Ciao!