Arnaldo Caprai

Arnaldo Caprai, a textile entrepreneur, established the estate in 1971 with just 3 hectares in Montefalco, Umbria. At the time, Sagrantino had dwindled to fewer than 10 hectares across the entire region, largely surviving as a sweet passito wine for local use. When Marco Caprai assumed leadership in 1988, the estate's direction shifted decisively toward producing dry, age-worthy Sagrantino with serious structure and extended maceration. The first high-density Sagrantino vineyard was planted in 1989, and in 1992 Sagrantino di Montefalco was elevated to DOCG status, a designation that Marco Caprai's advocacy helped secure.

• Founded 1971 with 3 hectares by textile entrepreneur Arnaldo Caprai
• Marco Caprai took over in 1988 and pioneered the dry Sagrantino style
• First high-density vineyard planted 1989; DOCG status granted 1992
• Sagrantino revived from near-extinction with fewer than 10 hectares remaining in the early 1970s

The estate covers 170-174 hectares planted across elevations ranging from 220 to 550 meters above sea level in the Montefalco appellation of Umbria, near Assisi and Spoleto. Soils are calcareous clay, providing good drainage and mineral complexity. The climate is continental, with significant diurnal temperature variation that preserves acidity and aromatic freshness in the grapes while the warm days build full phenolic ripeness. These conditions suit Sagrantino's late-ripening character and high tannin levels particularly well.

• Vineyards at 220-550 meters elevation in Montefalco, Umbria
• Calcareous clay soils promote drainage and mineral character
• Continental climate with high diurnal temperature variation
• Located near Assisi and Spoleto in central Umbria

Sagrantino is the flagship grape, vinified as the estate's signature dry red under the Sagrantino di Montefalco DOCG. Extended macerations of 30-40 days extract the grape's formidable tannin structure and deep color. The estate also grows Sangiovese, Merlot, Pinot Noir, Canaiolo, Grechetto, Chardonnay, Sauvignon, and Trebbiano, used for Montefalco DOC and Colli Martani DOC wines. Renowned oenologist Michel Rolland consults on winemaking. The iconic Sagrantino 25 Anni was created in 1993 to mark the estate's 25th anniversary and was served at the wedding of Michael Douglas and Catherine Zeta-Jones in 2000.

• Sagrantino di Montefalco DOCG is the flagship, with 30-40 day macerations
• Also produces under Montefalco DOC and Colli Martani DOC
• Michel Rolland serves as consulting oenologist
• 25 Anni created in 1993 is the estate's most celebrated single wine

Arnaldo Caprai is credited as the driving force behind Sagrantino's revival and global reputation. The estate produces approximately 1 million bottles annually and is a member of the Italian Signature Wines Academy. Wine Enthusiast named it European Winery of the Year in 2012. Founder Arnaldo Caprai received the Cavaliere del Lavoro, one of Italy's highest civilian honors, in 2002. The estate remains committed to sustainability and environmental practices across its operations.

• European Winery of the Year, Wine Enthusiast, 2012
• Arnaldo Caprai awarded Cavaliere del Lavoro in 2002
• Member of the Italian Signature Wines Academy
• Committed to sustainability across the 170-174 hectare estate