Sagrantino Contrario Umbria Rosso 2020, Antonelli

The 2020 Contrario from Antonelli San Marco flips the script on what you'd expect from Umbria’s boldest grape. Made entirely from Sagrantino—but vinified in a fresher, softer style—this wine is the gentle sibling to Montefalco’s famously muscular reds. Instead of long oak aging and intense tannins, Contrario is fermented in stainless steel and aged briefly in large neutral barrels, preserving Sagrantino’s wild aromatic character while softening its edges.

What you get is a juicy, medium-bodied red with a nose full of forest berries, dried herbs, violets, and a whisper of spice. The palate is fruit-forward but dry, with lifted acidity and velvety tannins that make it a joy with food. Think of it as Sagrantino’s “natural wine” cousin—more chill, less armor.

Pair it with grilled lamb, charred eggplant, aged pecorino, or earthy lentil stews. It’s a bold move for a traditional producer, and one that pays off deliciously.

About the Winery

In the heart of Umbria’s Montefalco region, Antonelli San Marco sits atop 190 hectares of rolling hills, where wine has been made for centuries and patience is part of the terroir. The Antonelli family has owned the estate since 1881, but its roots go back even further—once part of a monastic property, these lands were originally cultivated by the Capuchin friars. Today, under the stewardship of Filippo Antonelli, the estate practices certified organic viticulture and champions native grape varieties, particularly Sangiovese and Sagrantino.

Their approach is as thoughtful as it is traditional: minimal intervention, spontaneous fermentation, long aging in large Slavonian oak barrels, and an emphasis on balance over brawn. With a deep respect for the land and a penchant for elegance over flash, Antonelli’s wines offer a soulful expression of Umbria—structured, earthy, and always food-friendly.