Adanti

Today, the Adanti winery is run by two sisters of that family – Daniela and Donatella. But while women-owned wineries may represent somewhat of a more recent step towards greater equality within the wine world, the Adanti farm is one where respect for tradition is key, particularly that of antiquity which laid its very foundations.

Purchased in the 1960s by Domenico Adanti, the Arquata Villa, home to the Adanti winery, was once a convent of the Celestine Friars, built upon Roman ruins which speckle the landscape of this ancient area. Its 40 hectares lies in the hills of Arquata and Colcimino, near the historic cellars of the Montefalco area in Umbria, an area famed for its indigenous Sagrantino grape and Montefalco wines. While 30 hectares, consisting of old vines replanted and new ones planted fresh by Domenico, are dedicated to wine production, 10 remain dedicated to olive oil, both of which receive respect of equal measure from the Adanti sisters whose approach to their farm is characterised by: the utmost care for their products; a respect for their Montefalco terroir; and a devotion to tradition.

The central role of the Sagrantino grape demonstrates all three. While its origins are debated – it’s believed it was introduced to Umbria by Franciscan monks on the way back from Asia Minor – its history is well-recorded, with the Adanti family providing a significant contribution. Traditionally used for sweet wines, mainly in religious celebrations (hence the presence of ‘sagra’, or sacred, in its name), the Adanti family led a series of experiments in the 1970s to produce a dry version. Their success facilitated its triumphal return and, as a result, the Adanti Sagrantino ‘Il Domenico’ takes its name from its revivor – Domenico Adanti. Comparable to Aglianico for its polyphenolic richness (it’s a deep purple when young, brimming with antioxidants) and Barolo for its longevity, structure and tannic intensity, it bursts with blackberry and plum notes, underpinned by liquorice spice and beautiful balsamic notes that hint at Sagrantino’s sweeter days.

Adanti’s Rosso di Montefalco is a blend of hand-harvested Sangiovese, Sagrantino, Barbera, Merlot and Cabernet and provides a ruby red wine (typical of Montefalco soil) that’s bright, balanced, bursting with fruits from cherry to plum and brimming with balsamic complexity.