Montefalco whites tippy top

(June 2024) … A look at the white wine of the area. This is a real mixed bag of wines that are top notch to ones that really need help and are basically on life-support.

Grechetto DOC                    

While never my favourite grape of the region, the 2023 showed a nice elevation in style from previous years. Grechetto needs a little help; I applaud Ciocco for adding a little Viognier into an otherwise boring wine.
                    
Colle Ciocco 2023 Clarignano – Montefalco Grechetto DOC (15% Viognier)Better Montefalco Colle

La Veneranda 2023 Montefalco Grechetto DOCGood+

Benedetti & Grigi 2022 Eros – Montefalco Grechetto DOCGood
Scacciadiavoli 2023 Montefalco Grechetto DOCGood
Terre De La Custodia 2023 Montefalco Grechetto DOCGood

Montefalco Bianco

Always the weakest wines of the tasting. This category is laced with ‘almost’ undrinkable wines. The slim amount of wines (2) scored are mercy shout-outs (at least they are drinkable / enjoyable). It is a sad state as to what these wines have become. Here is some advice: If you can’t make a fresh, drinkable, summery style wine in this category, then give up and stop trying to just shove unused grapes into a bottle. It is beneath you all. Do better or don’t do it at all.
                    
Scacciadiavoli 2021 Montefalco Bianco Montefalco Scacciadiavoli
(50 Trebbiano / 30 Grechetto / 20 Chardonnay)Good

Terre De La Custodia 2020 Montefalco Bianco – Plentis    
(60 Trebbiano / 40 Chardonnay)Good

Spoleto Trebbiano Spoletino

On the other hand, Trebbiano Spoletino has the potential to be some of the most fun and interesting wines of the region – the best versions of which play up a summery-vibe. But they do come in a variety of other styles: some play too much with the freshness and minerality, taking the wine out of balance; others diddle too much with the oxidative and wood style, which has the effect of muting the grape’s vibrancy.

The ones on my list below have nailed what I believe Spoletino to be about. I just wish I could take all these out on the back patio and enjoy them in the sun – but alas, I can’t.

The “Good” ones on this list are fresh, lively, full of balancing acidity, and they just get “better” from there.

Benedetti & Grigi 2021 Ermes – Trebbiano SpoletinoBetter
Bocale 2023 Trebbiano SpoletinoBetter
Valdangius 2023 Campo De Pico – Trebbiano SpoletinoBetter Montefalco Valdangius

Antonelli 2023 Trebium – Trebbiano SpoletinoGood+
Cocco Ilaria 2022 Avventata – Trebbiano SpoletinoGood+
Perticaia 2023 Trebbiano SpoletinoGood+

Antonelli 2021 Vigna Tonda – Trebbiano SpoletinoGood
Colle Mora 2022 Bagnolo – Trebbiano Spoletino Good
Conti Fabio 2023 Rovicciano – Trebbiano SpoletinoGood
Le Cimate 2022 Trebbiano SpoletinoGood
Ninni 2023 Poggio Del Vescovo – Trebbiano Spoletino Good

Spoleto Trebbiano Spoletino Spumante

Hard to judge this style as there was only one to taste; and it was good-plus … but I raised the mark in an effort and to encourage more to try doing this.

Le Cimate 2020 Giovanni Bartoloni – Dedicato A Te – Trebbiano SpoletinoBetter Montefalco cimate

 

 

Take Aways:

Grechetto is on the rise.

Spoletino is the star of the white wine show.

Make more bubbles from Spoletini.

Whites Blends, get your act together.

 

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