Il Gheppio
The Land
Il Gheppio is situated at the heart of Umbrian Valley, in the historical town of Montefalco. From over 400 years, this territory provides the best growth and development of Sagrantino grapes, arguably the most tannic grape variety in the world. The farm’s name testifies that a very strong link still exists with the territory of Montefalco: the word “Gheppio” refers to the common hawk used in hunting since the Middle Age. In honour of this predatory, Fredrick the Second from Svevia gave the name “Montefalco” (or “Mount Hawk”) to the town that was called “Coccorone” before this time.
The People
Bought by grandpa Antonini in 1920, the estate was focused mainly on the cultivation of grain and wine production was only for home consumption, from vines grown with the system of “married plant”: grapevines grown up climbing trees and small trees located in rows spaced 10 meter to allow other crops between the rows. It was only in 2003 that the grandchildren Gianluca, Stefano and Diego decided to convert part of the land (about 2.3 hectares) into vineyard, with the first harvest in 2006. The rest, as they say, it will become history.
The Wines
Sagrantino di Montefalco DOCG “to Stefano”
Selected fully ripen grapes are fermented in stainless steel for 20 days on the skins to ensure a perfect extraction.
The wine is then aged for 12 months in barrique before being moved to steel vat again to achieve refinement spontaneously without fining or filtration before bottling.
The aroma is rich and powerful, ethereal and complex.
The palate is elegant and warm with red fruit, fine tannins and an amazing length – a wine that is best expressed after a long ageing.
Dedicated to Stefano Antonini, passed away far too soon in 2013, by the young wife Arezia and brothers Diego and Gianluca
