Briziarelli Winery: Umbrian Wines Focused on Quality and Territory

Posted by Rowena Dumlao - Giardina 1/25/2022

Briziarelli Winery: Umbrian Wines Focused on Quality and Territory

A multifaceted entrepreneur, Pio Briziarielli stepped into the field of farming in the early twentieth century in his locality in Umbria. He took on different branches in agriculture from the cultivation of vineyards and the process of vinification in the old family cellar in Marsciano, the breeding of Chianina cows in the San Gemini area, and the cultivation of olive groves. These are the establishing foundations of the Società Agricola Briziarelli, which at present binds more activities united by paralleling philosophy of quality being the focus of every initiative.

By the year 2000, Cantina Briziarelli established itself on a more intensified project on viticulture and winemaking. The acquisition of a 50-hectare land in Umbria between Bevagna and Montefalco right in the prestigious viticultural zone of the Sagrantino DOCG, where Sagrantino is produced within the stringent quality classifications since 1979 for the DOC status and 1992 for the higher DOCG status. In 2003, the first vineyards obtained excellent results and three years later, further planting of vines were done to meet the demands of the market. Over the years, Briziarelli experienced success in its endeavors and by 2012, when the new winery was constructed, exports of their wine were in full swing all over the world. The beginning of 2021 marked a tailoring of vinification styles focalized on freshness and approachability driven by their new Amministratore Delegato Alessandro Giannoni.

Sua Signoria Umbria Bianco IGT 2020
Obtained from 100% Trebbiano Spoletino grapes, 85% of which was fermented in stainless steel at a controlled temperature together with fine lees while the 15% were left to dry in trays for about a couple of days then left to ferment in tonneau. After 6 months, assemblage takes place then it rests in the bottle for a few months. A vivid light straw yellow color with hints of green with an intense and eloquent nose that boasts its varietal aromas of crispy fruits of white peach, pineapple, yellow flowers, hay, and fresh green herbs. The palate corresponds to the nose while the acidity is pronounced and lingers, persistent and harmonious. A very pleasant fresh wine that exhibits elegance and harmony. 93/100

Montefalco Rosso DOC 2019
Obtained from 60% Sangiovese, 30% Merlot and 10% Sagrantino with the fermentation in steel tanks at a controlled temperature for 20 months and another 4 months in the bottle. Ruby red in color with intense aromas that pervade the nose with spices, aromatic herbs, ripe sour cherries and berries which the mouth confirms in addition to its moderate acidity, soft tannins and roundness. Quite agreeable with its youthful elegance and freshness. 89/100

Rosso Mattone Montefalco Rosso Riserva DOC 2015
Obtained from 60% Sangiovese, 20% Sagrantino and 20% Syrah. Separate fermentation in steel tanks at a controlled temperature with maceration of the skins for 25 days with separate malolactic fermentation for the different varieties then ageing in French oak barrique for at least 12 months. After final assembly, the wine rests in steel tanks again then another 6 months in the bottle. In the glass it presents a full ruby red color with an intense and complex nose of sweetened ripe cherries and berries, chocolate, and cinnamon. In the palate, there's a distinguishing savory note, moderate acidity, fine tannins, chocolate, sweet dried spices and ripe dark berries, ending with note of prunes and persistence in the end. 88/100

Montefalco Sagrantino DOCG 2015
Made with 100% Sagrantino, fermentation in steel tanks at a controlled temperature. The ageing takes place in new French oak barrique for 12 months, then another 21 months in steel tanks again. Finally, a month of ageing in the bottle completes the process. Deep ruby red in color, with an intense nose that releases aromas of ripe red fruits, cherries, dried sweet spices, notable saltiness, eucalyptus and dried tobacco. In the mouth, the saltiness come out ahead followed by ripe red fruits, spices, rich tannins and good acidity with a lengthy finish. 89/100

Montefalco Sagrantino Passito DOCG 2017
Harvested a bit early, left to dry in trays for 3 months, aged in barrique for 12 months, 20 months in stainless steel at a controlled temperature and another 6 months in the bottle. The result is a very nice passito with a full ruby red, dark berries with sweet dried spices and balsamic notes. Soft in the mouth, well-balanced tannins, long persistence and very pleasant sweetness. 94/100