We SOLD OUT on our first Marathon, but the Operatives on the live stream spoke and we listened. The rest of the day we have MICA!

Moretti Omero 2005 Montefalco Rosso DOC

Moretti Omero 2005 Montefalco Rosso DOC

What We Say 2005 Montefalco Rosso DOC

SECRET SAVINGS ALERT:

Subscribe to our Daily Dispatch (above) and you’ll always know what our Top Secret coupon code of the day is. Every day we issue a new members-only code that entitles you to have Ground Shipping included and, sometimes, an added discount!

Mission Codename: Mambo Italiano

Operative: Agent White

Objective: Acquire a exceptional Italian wine that is also an exceptional value.

Mission Status: Accomplished!

Current Winery: Moretti Omero

Wine Subject: 2005 Montefalco Rosso DOC

Winemaker: Moretti Omero

Backgrounder:

The Montefalco Rosso DOC occupies the same approximate geographic area as the Montefalco Sagrantino DOCG, the DOC allows for Super Tuscan style blends that can included several of the indigenous grapes of this Umbrian (West Central Italy) enclave. Today’s selection, from micro-producer Moretti Omero is 50% Sangiovese, 30% Sagrantino and 20% Merlot.

Moretti Omero, a small family run farm with a history that dates back to WWI also makes a Montefalco Sagrantino DOCG and a Montefalco Sagrantino Passito DOCG – both of which will be featured int he near future.

Wine Spies Tasting Profile:

Look – Dark ruby – garnet in color with a dark almost black core that is slightly inky in clarity. Ruby Garnet hued edges with slow thin legs ring the glass when swirled.

Smell – Medium in intensity with aromas of dusty raspberry and both tart and ripe black cherry. Earthy notes and bramble brush with hints of floral violets, spice, tea and a touch of black licorice round out the complex and distinctly Italian nose.

Feel – The attack on this wine is initially tangy that smooths as it opens up. Bright in acid, this medium to full-bodied wine has good structure with medium firm tannins.

Taste – With flavors similar to its nose and supported by its texture, this wine shows its classic Italian heritage with well integrated cherry and blueberry backed with spice, zesty Sangioveseque orange peel, notes of plum, mild spice and a touch of oak.

Finish – Medium in length and clean with a lingering tanginess of of its fruit supported by its zest and spice.

Conclusion – The 2005 Moretti Omero Montefalco Rosso will instantly appeal to fans of more traditional Super Tuscans and the addition of the Sagrantino grape adds an entirely new dimension to this wine’s complexity. While this isn’t its older brother the Montefalco Sagrantino DOCG, its also half the price making this delicious wine perfect for every day drinking as well as every day special occasions.

Mission Report:

Below is a recap of our first encounter with the great wines from micro-producer Moretti Omero. Since then, The Wine Spies are huge fans of their exceptional Umbrian wines.

It all began at wine tasting earlier this year, when Agent Baco Noir was raving about the rare wines from Montefalco Sagrantino. It was decided at that point that The Wine Spies would have to search and return with one of these elusive ‘festival wines’ for our stateside operatives.

As I stepped off the train in Foligno, Agent Baco Noir was standing on the platform with a mischievous smile on her face. Not saying a word, we quickly passed through the station to a pair of Vespas she had procured for our upcoming mission. No directions, no dossier, just a map scribbled on the back of a cafe napkin.

Driving south-westbound out of the town we were immediately in the rural countryside. Farms, ranches and vineyards as far as the eye could see. We pulled up next to pig ranch where Baco Noir stepped off her scooter.

“We’re on foot from here”, is all she said, fixing her hair, adjusting her sunglasses and mumbling to herself about getting her designer high-heeled shoes dirty. I followed, not saying a word (I have learned to keep my mouth shut with regard to women and Italian shoes). Walking through the ranch we could see a farm house in the distance.

Approaching the farm house, we could see vineyards and olive groves surrounding the farm house. Just then, a man, clearly worn by working the land beaconed us into a small tasting room where he quickly disappeared into a back alcove. Emerging again almost immediately with a case of wine in hand he discretely gave them to Baco Noir, who still wearing her sunglasses, turned around and walked out the door. As soon as we stepped outside, she gave me the wine to carry back to the scooters.

Just as quickly as we got the wine, I found myself back at the train station, samples in hand. Baco Noir didn’t even get off her scooter, only saying “see you in the Piedmont in two weeks, give my regards to HQ, Ciao!” as she placed a parcel on top of the wine case I was carrying.

Not being able to wait to return to HQ for our tasting, I opened one of the bottles of the 2002 Moretti Omero Montefalco Sagrantino on the train back to Rome. I now now why this is such an exceptional wine. As I sipped the first glass, I opened the parcel, and inside to my surprise was a note, some Pecorino Toscana cheese, a Abruzzese sausage and some fresh fruit.

It might as well be a perfect day, I though, as I began to read Baco Noir’s note… (details redacted)

To this day, each time I taste this wine I am immediately transported back to that magical place.

Wine Spies Vineyard Check:

The approximate location the Moretti Omero farm in Giano dell’Umbria can be seen in this satellite photo.

Read Full Review
Hide Full Review

What the Winery Says Moretti Omero

Moretti Omero
Moretti Omero

Rare Wine Alert

Today’s wine is an exceptionally rare wine find that The Wine Spies have sleuthed for you. We are the only retail establishment in the United States where you will find this wine and we have secured a very limited allocation for you. Be sure to order early – once this wine is sold out, this wine may not be available again.

About This Wine:

It has a ruby color. You can taste and smell the aromas the red fruits and spices. It’s soft and full taste, pleasant to drink, contains small quantities of tannin. With a long and fruity taste.

The ripened organic grapes are placed in small baskets, once processed and left to ferment for 15/18 days. The wine is left in oak cask to be decantered for 10 months before bottling.

Food Pairing: Excellent with red meats and cheeses

The Sagrantino Grape:

Wine made from the Sagratino grape from the Umbria region has an intense red ruby color, a strong impact on the nose with intensity and persistence, and the flavors of red jam, dark fruits, and some earthiness. The wine is strong but elegant, with above average tannins in the early years followed by a mellowing after 5-10 years of evolution in the bottle. The locals serve this wine with meat and game dishes, salami, pasta and hard cheeses. While drinking this wine you may find yourself experiencing an out-of-body sensation where you are mentally transported to Italy!

This local varietal almost died but is currently seeing a revival. The name is thought to come from ‘sagra’ which means festival implying this wine was reserved for special occasions and feasts. I would love to be at one of those in Italy right now!

About The Winery:

This family business is situated 2.5 kilometres away from the 316 national road connecting Foligno to Todi, on the way to Monti Martani. It stretches for 30 hectars, including olive-groves, vines, woods, plantings of truffles and a pig-breeding.

Technical Analysis:

Varietals: 50% Sangiovese, 30% Sagrantino, 20% Merlot

Alcohol: 13.5%

Serve at: 16-18C

Moretti Omero 2005 Montefalco Rosso DOC 750ml Wine Bottle
Offer Expired Mar 01, 2009 at 11:59 pm
Register to get notified when this wine is back in stock:
Sign Up For Free
Moretti Omero 2005 Montefalco Rosso DOC 750ml Wine Bottle
Offer Expired Mar 01, 2009 at 11:59 pm
Register to get notified when this wine is back in stock:
Sign Up For Free