The Honest Pour with John Lenart

I love a winery with a great story behind it. Azienda Agraria Scacciadiavoli is one such winery. Roughly translated as “Chasing away the devil” Scacciadiavoli is named for a local priest believed to have been an exorcist. But a great story only takes you so far. Scacciadiavoli, in Montefalco located in Umbria, also makes some delicious wines. The primary red grape variety in Montefalco is Sagrantino. An indigenous, hugely tannic, high acid grape that makes wines with a rough exterior which gives way to delicate, elegant, and complex flavors. Like all Italian wines, when paired with food, Sagrantino really shines. These wines also offer an amazing value. Because its not widely known, consumers can buy the absolutely best Sagrantinos available for under $100.  I met with Liu Pambuffetti of Azienda Agraria Scacciadiavoli to talk about her family’s winery, learn about the intriguing Sagrantino di Montelfalco wines, and of course to taste some!

Liu Pambuffetti, Azienda Agraria Scacciadiavoli

2015, Azienda Agraria Scacciadiavoli, Montefalco Bianco

Nose of stonefruit and pronounced limestone minerality. Flavors of pear, apricot, and lime zest. A medium full body is balanced by crisp acidity and a backbone of minerality.

SRP:  $20

2015 Azienda Agraria Scacciadiavoli, Montefalco Rosso

Aromas of fresh herbs, purple flowers and red fruit. A lush full body with flavors of cherries and plum, nuanced by hints of cocoa, balanced acidity and fine tannins.

SRP:  $20

2012, Azienda Agraria Scacciadiavoli , Montefalco Sagrantino

Purple in color with a nose leading with a dusty minerality, fresh cherries, plum, and purple flowers. The attack of the wine on the palate begins with fine, but grippy tannins which give way to elegant flavors of cherry, balsamico, chocolate and fresh herbs. Serve with roast lamb and you can thank me later!

SRP:  $40