Montemelino
Overlooking Lake Trasimeno, on the northern most cusp of Umbria, this tiny farm is run by Margret and Guido Cantarelli. The hills around this interior lake form one of the most unknown wine zones in Italy; Colli del Trasimeno (DOC). There are only a dozen or fewer producers in the appellation, most of which are growing international varieties. Montemelino’s farm is roughly 10 ha, with less than 4 being under vine. They grow grechetto for the white wine and sangiovese and gamay for the red. Yes, gamay! Gamay has been growing around the lake for more than 85 years, opinions vary as to where and why it’s actually here, but it certainly has remained a relative unknown to the outside wine world. Farming is organic, the wines are naturally fermented and aged in large slavonian oak barrels that rest both under the farm house and in a tiny chapel on the property (for lack of space and the proper temperature conditions). These are humble, simple wines made in a very genuine and characterful way.
DOC Colli del Trasimeno "Bianco"
Montemelino’s lively, mineral, fresh white wine. Made with all direct press Trebbiano Toscano, Trebbiano Spoletino, and a small amount of Grechetto. Wild yeast fermentation. Aged in stainless steel until bottling in the Spring. Minimal added sulfur and no filtering or fining.
DOC Colli del Trasimeno "Grechetto"
An expression of the great potential of the Grechetto grape and the terroir of Lake Trasimeno. 100% Grechetto, direct press. Wild yeast fermentation. Aged in stainless steel until bottling. Minimal added sulfur and no filtering or fining.
IGT Umbria "Rosato"
The versatile, delicious, Provencal-slaying pink wine of Montemelino. 100% Ciliegiolo direct press. Wild yeast fermentation. Aged in stainless steel until bottling in the Spring. Minimal added sulfur and no filtering or fining.
Malpasso Rosato (Liter)
90% Sangiovese and 10% Gamay del Trasimeno (Grenache), all pneumatic direct press. Wild yeast fermentation. Aged in stainless steel. Minimal added sulfur and no filtering or fining.
"Malpasso" Rosso (Liter)
Liters of 100% Sangiovese. Wild yeast fermentation. Aged in cement tanks for a year before bottling. Minimal added sulfur and no filtering or fining. Takes crowd pleasing to arena-level status.
Giovanotto Rosso
100% special selection of Gamay del Trasimeno. Spontaneous semi-carbonic fermentation. Malolactic fermentation carried out on lees. Aging in cement. No filtering or fining, and minimal added sulfur as necessary.
DOC Colli del Trasimeno "Grappolo" Rosso
A wine that showcases Sangiovese along with the tiny DOC’s unique local variety - Gamay del Trasimeno (a local strain of Grenache). 60% Sangiovese, 40% Gamay del Trasimeno. Wild yeast fermentation. Aged in cement, then old oak barrels for 6 to 8 months. Minimal added sulfur and no filtering or fining.