Category: London

A Montefalco 2025: Celebrating an Entire Region Beyond the Sagrantino Grape

The third edition of A Montefalco took place on June 17–18, 2025, in the beautiful medieval village of Montefalco, Umbria. Building on the success of the reimagined event that began in 2023, this year’s celebration honoured not only the current vintage release of Montefalco Sagrantino DOCG but also the full diversity of wines produced across this exceptional region.

Alongside the 2021 release of the area’s flagship red, visitors experienced a comprehensive lineup of local wines, including Montefalco Bianco DOC, Montefalco Grechetto DOC, Spoleto Trebbiano Spoletino DOC, Spoleto Trebbiano Spoletino Superiore DOC, Spoleto Trebbiano Spoletino Spumante DOC, Spoleto Trebbiano Spoletino Passito DOC, Montefalco Rosso DOC, and Montefalco Rosso Riserva DOC, all showcased in tasting rooms that welcomed both Italian and international press.

Participating Wineries

The 2025 event featured an impressive roster of over 40 participating wineries, including established names like Arnaldo Caprai, Antonelli San Marco, and Lungarotti, as well as emerging producers, all contributing to the rich tapestry of Montefalco’s wine heritage.

A Montefalco 2025 proved to be a standout celebration of this unique wine region, offering visitors the chance to explore not only the renowned Sagrantino grape but the entire portfolio of wines that make Montefalco so special. Highlights included dedicated events for accredited journalists and trade professionals: professional tasting rooms with extended hours and sommelier service, direct winery visits, the Gran Premio del Sagrantino national sommelier competition, and the unveiling of the commemorative artist label for the 2021 vintage.

Montefalco: Umbria’s Medieval Wine Capital

Perched high above the Umbrian valley and known as the “Balcony of Umbria,” Montefalco has earned its place among Italy’s most distinctive wine regions. Its medieval charm is matched by a winemaking tradition deeply rooted in the land’s mineral-rich, clay-limestone soils and Mediterranean-influenced climate. Sun-soaked days followed by cool evenings allow for the slow ripening and concentration that characterize wines of exceptional depth and aging potential.

Vineyards cascade along gentle hillsides that maximize sun exposure while protecting vines from harsh conditions. This unique microclimate, paired with expert viticulture, has made Montefalco a benchmark of Italian wine excellence.

The Indigenous Grapes That Define Montefalco

Sagrantino

The undisputed king of Montefalco, Sagrantino is one of Italy’s most powerful indigenous red grapes. With its thick skins and bold tannins, it produces intensely structured wines rich in dark fruit, spice, and minerality. Over time, its formidable structure transforms into elegance, making it one of the few Italian reds capable of long-term cellaring.

Sangiovese

In Montefalco, Sangiovese takes on added nuance from the region’s terroir. While retaining its bright cherry character and natural acidity, it gains complexity and structure, making it the perfect blending partner for Sagrantino in Montefalco Rosso.

Trebbiano Spoletino

This revived white variety thrives in the hills of Montefalco and Spoleto. Known for its balance of citrus, florality, and herbal intrigue, Trebbiano Spoletino showed its versatility at the event through several expressions: crisp DOC bottlings, elegant Superiore, vibrant Spumante, and luscious Passito dessert wines.

Grechetto

A full-bodied white that thrives in central Italy, Grechetto is known for its rich texture, stone fruit flavours, and nutty undertones. When paired with Trebbiano Spoletino, it adds dimension and complexity to Montefalco’s white wine offerings.

Wine Tourism in Montefalco

Montefalco has emerged as one of Umbria’s leading wine tourism destinations, attracting visitors eager to discover its blend of history, culture, and exceptional wines. The rolling landscape, dotted with olive groves and vineyards, offers an immersive Italian wine country experience.

Family-owned wineries open their doors to guests, offering personal insights into generations-old winemaking traditions and innovations that push the boundaries of indigenous varietals.

The Strada del Sagrantino

The region’s official wine route, Strada del Sagrantino, provides a curated journey through Montefalco’s top wine estates. From boutique producers to architectural landmarks, each stop reveals unique expressions of terroir, craft, and culinary connection. This route encapsulates the spirit of the region, where tradition meets contemporary excellence.

Montefalco Sagrantino DOCG 2021: A New Vintage to Celebrate

The 2025 event presented the much-anticipated 2021 vintage of Montefalco Sagrantino DOCG in both traditional and blind tastings. Visitors were able to experience its complexity and potential firsthand.

The tasting program ran from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM on both days, with sommelier-guided sessions held in the Sala Consiliare. Access was granted through pre-booked time slots via the “Consorzio Tutela Vini Montefalco” app.

Winery Visits at A Montefalco 2025

Lunelli / Tenuta Castelbuono

The Lunelli family, masterminds behind four diverse siblings (Matteo, Marcello, Camilla, and Alessandro), have built an impressive portfolio spanning from their original Trentino operations to Tuscan holdings at Tenuta Podernovo. Their empire extends beyond wine to include the Michelin-starred Locanda Margon restaurant, the historic Tassoni cedrata brand acquired in 2021, and Surgiva mineral water.

The Lunellis entered Umbria in 2000, initially working with leased vineyards before acquiring Tenuta Castelbuono in 2001. Their first Sagrantino harvest came in 2003. The estate’s crown jewel is the architectural marvel “Carapace,” designed in collaboration with renowned artist Arnaldo Pomodoro between 2005-2012. This turtle shell-inspired structure symbolizes four key elements: sacred profile, longevity, deliberate process, and power. At its heart sits the circular “Ziggurat” room, an inverted cone used for private tastings.

The estate produces approximately 130,000 bottles annually from 40 hectares, focusing exclusively on red wines in Umbria. Luca D’Attoma recently took over winemaking duties from Ruben De Laurentis, who managed the operation for 11 years.

Valdangius

Representing the new generation of Montefalco estates, Valdangius is a family-run winery led by Danilo Antonelli, with daughter Jessica and winemaker Alessandro Meniconi. This multigenerational collaboration reflects a balance of heritage and forward-thinking.

Terre de Trinci

Terre de Trinci holds a unique place in Sagrantino history as the cooperative that pioneered dry Sagrantino production. Founded in 1968, this cooperative of 100 members farms 120 hectares, plus an additional 50 hectares of estate-owned vineyards. In 1972, they released the first bottles of dry (non-passito) Sagrantino di Montefalco, helping establish what would become a DOCG in 1992.

Located in Foligno rather than within Montefalco’s borders, they’re the only consortium members authorized to vinify outside the denomination’s territorial boundaries due to their historical significance. The cooperative transitioned to member ownership in 1992 after initially being managed by the local agricultural consortium.

Antonelli San Marco

One of Montefalco’s most respected family estates, Antonelli San Marco has been a benchmark producer in the region for generations. The winery is known for both innovation and respect for tradition, particularly in their work with indigenous varieties.

Filippo Magnani

The Institute of Masters of Wine announces seven award winners and welcomes ten new Masters of Wine

The Institute of Masters of Wine (IMW) celebrated seven award winners and officially welcomed ten new Masters of Wine (MWs) to its membership this week at a ceremony in Vintners’ Hall, London.

The IMW’s annual awards ceremony celebrates the inauguration of the new MWs and recognises individual excellence in areas of the MW examination. Friends, family and Masters of Wine from around the globe flew into London for the occasion to welcome the new ‘MW vintage’, which includes MWs from six countries across three continents.

Receiving their induction tonight were Neil Bernardi MW (US), Emily Brighton MW (UK), Benjamin Hasko MW (Singapore), Christopher Martin MW (UK), Victoria Mason MW (UK), Robert Mathias MW (UK), Dror Nativ MW (UK), Pietro Russo MW (Italy), Tone Veseth Furuholmen MW (Norway), Wei Xing MW (China).

Each new MW received a framed calligraphic certificate, and a 24K gold Master of Wine pin engraved with their unique membership number.

Following the inauguration the individual awards, introduced into the ceremony in 1979 and sponsored by IMW supporters, included two new accolades this year: The Vintners’ Company award for the top performance in the business of wine paper, and the VSPT Wine Group award for best performance in the contemporary issues paper. Victoria Mason MW and Dror Nativ MW both took home three awards, with Emily Brighton MW receiving one. The 2024 awards and winners in full are:

Quinta do Noval award
For the best research paper by a new MW. Presented by Christian Seely, Managing Director, AXA Millésimes. Awarded to Victoria Mason MW for her paper, An investigation into the enablers and barriers to the adoption and practice of regenerative viticulture in Stellenbosch. All research papers can be accessed at: https://www.mastersofwine.org/research-papers

Taransaud Tonnellerie award
For excellence in the production and handling of the wine paper. Presented by Henri de Pracomtal, Chairman and CEO of Taransaud. Awarded to Emily Brighton MW.

Vintners’ Company award
For the top performance in the business of wine paper. Presented by Ann Hill, Master Vintner, the Vintners’ Company. Awarded to Victoria Mason MW.

VSPT Wine Group award
For best performance in the contemporary issues paper. Presented on behalf of VSPT Wine Group by Caroline Hermann MW, IMW Vice-Chair. Awarded to Dror Nativ MW.

Robert Mondavi Winery award
For the best performance across all the theory papers. Presented by Sara Fogarty, Regional Manager UK, Constellation Brands. Awarded to Victoria Mason MW.

IMW outstanding achievement award
Sponsored by the Austrian Wine Marketing Board (AWMB). For outstanding achievement across all papers. Presented on behalf of the Austrian Wine Marketing Board by Caroline Hermann MW, IMW Vice-Chair. Awarded to Dror Nativ MW.

Madame Bollinger medal
For outstanding tasting ability. Presented by Justin Liddle, Managing Director, Mentzendorff & Co Ltd. Awarded to Dror Nativ MW.

In addition to celebrating the new Masters of Wine, the ceremony honoured four members for reaching their 50th year as MWs. John Brown MW, Charles Eve MW, Anthony Foster MW and Bill Gunn MW passed their MW examination in 1974. Coincidentally, John Brown also celebrates his golden wedding anniversary this year, while Anthony’s son was born the day he received his results.

IMW Executive Director Julian Gore-Booth said: “We are delighted to welcome ten new MWs from across three continents, recognise the outstanding work of our award winners and honour our vintage members. This evening’s event celebrates their remarkable dedication, expertise and contribution to the pursuit of wine excellence.

Congratulations to all on your exceptional achievements. We are proud to have you as part of our global community.”

Results are in for London Wine Fair’s “Judgement of London”

London Wine Fair’s Judgement of London took place this week, and the results are now in. 32 wines were tasted over a period of four hours by 21 judges, a selection of the UK’s best palates, two-thirds of which were either Masters of Wine or Master Sommeliers. The wines, all of which were decanted and served in Jancis Robinson X Richard Brendon glasses, were tasted in pairs under exam conditions: eight pairs of white wines, followed by eight pairs of red wines; each pairing comprised a European wine with their Rest of World counterpart, matched in terms of style. The judges scored each wine out of ten, which resulted in a grand total for each wine, and a final overall score for European vs. Rest of World.

The wines, amongst the best in the world, were selected by Sarah Abbott MW, MD of Swirl Wine Group and Ronan Sayburn MS, CEO of The Court of Master Sommeliers, who presented the results on Centre Stage with Hannah Tovey, Head of London Wine Fair earlier today (Tuesday afternoon). The key findings are as follows:

Top scoring white: Pegasus Bay Riesling, Bel Canto, Waipara, North Canterbury, New Zealand 2011
Runner up: Polish Hill Riesling, Grosset, Clare Valley, Australia 2012
Top scoring red: Hermitage Rouge, Jean Louis Chave, Rhône, France, 2012
Runner up: Château Mouton Rothschild, Pauillac, Bordeaux, France 2009
Top scoring wine: Pegasus Bay Riesling, Bel Canto, Waipara, North Canterbury, New Zealand 2011
European wines: 2,621.5 points
Rest of World: 2,604.5 points
Overall winner: Europe
Difference: 0.65%

The purpose of Judgement of London was to give a snapshot of the fine wine landscape almost 50 years on from the original Judgement of Paris in 1976. Whilst California was the outright winner of the original Paris tasting, in 2024 –with a broader spectrum of wines to better reflect today’s fine wine scene – the results are almost too close to call, with less than a percentage point between the two “teams”.

Sarah Abbott MW commented: “The results from Judgement of London highlight that great wine can and does come from all corners of the world. Winemakers of these wines share so much in common, and the excitement and gratitude that these wines inspire unites and inspires us as a trade.”

Ronan Sayburn MS commented: “From the beginning, it was never about a winner or loser, and the results show that. 50 years ago, there was a definite difference in style; now it is a much more level playing field. The so-called New World were making wines which were for a cool climate style, but in a warm climate. And obviously they had a lot of success, but were they elegant? Since Judgement of Paris, the so-called New World has better adapted to their climates, clones, and what works well. It is no longer the underdog. All these wines tasted on their own are amongst the greatest in the world, and we were asking our judges to choose amongst them.”

Head of London Wine Fair, Hannah Tovey, commented: “The results could barely have been closer, and whilst that all points towards the equal footing of European and Rest of World wines in today’s fine wine market, it is also testament to the pairings selected by Ronan and Sarah. They were bang on in terms of matching. I would like to personally thank everyone involved in what was frankly a Herculean task; sourcing 32 of the world’s finest wines; Ronan and Sarah for their brilliant selections and management; and last but by no means least, the judges themselves, and their extraordinary palates.”

The full list of wines: https://shorturl.at/biZTy

Source: London Wine Fair

Hedonism Wines Launches Auction Platform

Hedonism Wines, my favorite London wine shop, and Mayfair’s leading fine wine merchant has launched an online auction platform, which is due to go live November 13th!

According to CEO Tatiana Fokina, the inaugural sale will comprise 100 lots, featuring a selection of the world’s most exclusive labels of both wine and spirits. As a further enticement, bidders will be charged zero commission on their purchases.

“This transparent approach ensures that bidders only pay for the lots they win, with no hidden fees,” said Tatiana Fokina.

“We are ecstatic to embark on this new chapter with our devoted clientele,” said Tatiana Fokina, CEO at Hedonism Wines. “This platform is not only a testament to our commitment to innovation within the industry but also our dedication to providing unparalleled value. By waiving commission fees and delivering on speed, we’re promising a seamless, customer-centric experience like no other.”

Hedonism also promises that “winners can expect their prized bottles to arrive at their doorsteps in just one to two days, marking one of the fastest delivery turnarounds in the industry.”

The initial offering is a collector’s dream: a magnum of Lafite Rothschild 1989, Dom Perignon 1990 and Meursault Goutte d’Or Comtes Lafon are among the luxury brands being auctioned, in addition to some rare bottles of bourbon.

Here is the link to the auction site:

https://hedonism.co.uk/auctions-at-Hedonism

50% of UK Millennials Perceive Drinking and Dining as Essential Spending

Design My Night has just released the results of its city survey, with this year’s focus being on affordability.

The results show that a large proportion (83%) of participants have changed their spending habits due to the cost-of-living crisis.

However, 50% of millennials who completed the survey view drinking and dining as essential spending. The survey also shows 46% of respondents would happily spend £60 on a meal.

When asked what event people would most likely splash out on, birthdays came up as the clear winner, with 85% stating they would happily spend more for this occasion.

Katie Kirwan, head of brand and B2C at Design My Night, states: “The going may be tough right now, but going out remains important to our audience across all price points. While we’ve seen that a demand for affordability is propping up the industry, quality of spending is equally as important, and people aren’t willing to sacrifice their money for the mediocre. Hospitality’s run of it post-covid has been difficult, but our consumer survey has shown that shared experiences are still there to be catered to, and that with over 50% of millennials seeing drinking and dining as a necessity, a cost of living crisis isn’t going to hold the industry back.”