Umbria Region

Fast facts: over 36,000 vineyard acres, 42/58 red wine grapes vs. white. Key white grape varietals are: Trebbiano, Vermentino, Chardonnay, Grechetto, Orvieto, torgiano, and Colli Trasimeno blends, Drupeggio, and Canaiolo Bianco. Key red grape varietals are: Sangiovese, Sagrantino, Gamay, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Canaiolo.

Cougar's Sagrantino clone is FPS01 and the rootstock is 110R.

Sagrantino - "Sa-grahn-tee-noh"

Sagrantino is an Italian grape variety that is indigenous to the region of Umbria in Central Italy.

Sagrantino is grown primarily in the village of Montefalco and its surrounding areas, with only 250 acres (1.0 km2) dedicated to the grape in the hands of about 25 producers. With such small production, the wine is not widely known outside of Italy, even though it was granted DOCG status in 1991. The grape is one of the most tannic varieties in the world, and creates wines that are inky purple with an almost-black center. The bouquet is one of dark, brooding red fruits with hints of plum, cinnamon, and earth. The Sagrantino di Montefalco DOCG requires 100 percent Sagrantino used, with a required 29 months aging before release. A passito is still made, a thick, syrupy wine with raisin and blueberry qualities. The alcohol content is around 14 percent.