Underground Powerhouse — Terra Cupa 2017 from Montefalco

Tasting Notes

Here’s your “big Italian red” moment. This 2017 from Agricola Romanelli in Umbrian Montefalco pours a deep garnet, almost opaque. On the nose: dried blackberry, black cherry, leather, tobacco leaf, and a whisper of graphite. Palate hits hard: dense red and black fruit, massive tannins (yes, they’re still present even at six years), gritty minerality, and a long finish with a savory, almost balsamic echo. As one retailer note put it: “Rustic and chewy in the best way… Sagrantino at its more refined, yet still beefy.” 

Meet the Winemaker

Romanelli operates in the hills around Montefalco, Umbria, crafting wines that honour the region’s ancient soils. Their signature label, Terra Cupa (“deep earth”), signals work in the vineyards with traditional varieties and real structure. According to one blog: “Their Sagrantino… was made more in the Barolo style with four weeks of skin and seed contact after fermentation.” 

Wine Specs

• Varietal: 100% Sagrantino 

• Vintage: 2017

• Region: Montefalco DOCG, Umbria, Italy 

• Aging/Vinification: Long maceration (weeks on skins/seeds), followed by aging in oak (various sizes) and bottle—designed for serious ageing. 

• ABV: 16%

• Bottle Size: 750 ml

• Serving Temp: 17-18°C (let it warm slightly to release that depth)

Critic Reviews

• Vinous lists this exact vintage under Romanelli’s Terra Cupa but without a freely viewable numeric score in their preview.

• Reviewer note: “Rustic and chewy in the best way… could cellar another 10 years or more” for the 2017 vintage. 

Food Pairings

• Aged Tuscan steak or wild boar ragù — powerful wine needs bold food.

• Truffle-rich risotto or porcini-mushroom pasta — earthy meets structured fruit.

• Mature pecorino or Parmigiano-Reggiano — salt, texture and tannin synergy.

• Classic Umbrian grilled meats with rosemary & garlic — local pairing, local pride.

Why You Need This Bottle

Because you’re done with wines that fade into background noise. This is serious wine for serious moments — raw, structured, age-worthy and unapologetically powerful. 2017 Terra Cupa is the Umbrian red that says you not only know wine—you get the depth. Bring it out when you want respect, not just applause.

Snag your bottle of Romanelli Terra Cupa Montefalco Sagrantino 2017 — club members get 10% off + free shipping on orders over $99. Elevate the night.