The 2018 Montefalco Rosso (a certified organic wine with 22,000 bottles produced) is quite large in scope and intensity with oak fruit layering, spice and sweet potting soil. The blend is 60% Sangiovese, 25% Merlot and 15% Sagrantino, and the wine is aged in botte and barrique for one year. The mouthfeel is fleshed out and open with plenty of sweet, sun-ripened fruit. This is the last edition of this wine, because from this point forward, Lungarotti will only make a Montefalco Rosso Riserva.

The organic Lungarotti 2017 Montefalco Rosso shows plenty of ripeness in this hot vintage, with extra saturation and dark fruit. This blend of Sangiovese, Sagrantino and Merlot shows lush richness, with dried cherry, dark currant and earthy tones. The tannins are more contained in this wine. Some 20,000 bottles were produced.

Generally speaking, more attention should be paid to the terrific Montefalco Rosso category of wine from Umbria. The blended reds that make up this appellation are easy-drinking and fresh, and they have just enough tannic bite to pair with grilled or braised meats. Lungarotti's 2015 Montefalco Rosso backs up my claim very nicely. This is a lovely and fresh blend of 60% Sangiovese, 25% Merlot and 15% Sagrantino with bold cherry, blackberry and nicely balanced fruit. Lighter tones of smoke and tobacco appear at the back. This wine is aged in both barrique and botte for up to ten months. Some 24,000 bottles were made.

The 2014 Montefalco Rosso shows a dark color with veins of garnet and crimson. The bouquet is a bit flat and less expressive, yet the wine is well-made and steady nonetheless. On the close, you get earthy spice and dried cherry.

The 2010 Rosso di Montefalco is a sharp and focused red wine with simple berry tones backed by spice and leather. The mouthfeel is firmly structured, but also shows a degree of elegance. This Rosso represents a great entry-level wine from one of Umbria’s most versatile wineries. Anticipated maturity: 2014-2018. Importer: Vin Divino; www.vindivino.com