Maior (2019) - Terre de la Custodia

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In the heart of Umbria, among the gentle hills of Montefalco, there is a legend attached to Sagrantino, the grape variety behind Maior from the Terre de la Custodia winery. It is said that in the Middle Ages the Franciscan friars grew these vines to make a wine for religious rites and sacred celebrations. Sagrantino, in fact, takes its very name from the word "sacred". Terre de la Custodia, with its 2019 vintage, carries on that tradition, keeping alive an old knowledge woven into the spiritual and cultural history of the region. A wine that is not just a product of the land but a true witness to time.

Maior (2019) - Terre de la Custodia

Type: Red Wine

Area: Italy, Umbria, Montefalco

Appellation: Sagrantino di Montefalco DOCG

Grape variety: Sagrantino

Vintage: 2019

Winery: Terre de la Custodia

Alcohol: 14.5%

The appellation: Sagrantino di Montefalco DOCG

Sagrantino di Montefalco DOCG is one of the most prestigious appellations in Umbrian viticulture, officially recognised in 1992. This red wine, produced exclusively from Sagrantino grapes, is emblematic of the Montefalco area, where the climate and the soil give the wines unique and distinctive characteristics.

What to eat with Maior

Who makes it: Terre de la Custodia

Terre de la Custodia is a winery in the heart of Umbria, in Montefalco to be precise, a region renowned for its winemaking tradition and its breathtaking landscapes. This estate stands out for its dedication to producing high-quality wines, in particular Sagrantino di Montefalco DOCG, a wine that represents the essence of the Umbrian land. The winery is committed to showcasing native grapes, using winemaking methods that respect the environment and tradition. Every bottle tells a story of passion and respect for the land, with a particular focus on sustainability and innovation.

The vine of Maior

Sagrantino

Sagrantino is a black grape variety indigenous to Italy, known for its intensity and complexity. This variety is particularly prized for its ability to produce wines of great structure and longevity. Sagrantino is often associated with robust wines, with a rich and enveloping aromatic profile that reflects the unique terroir of the area.

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Maior: the Montefalco area

Montefalco

Montefalco is a renowned wine district in the heart of Umbria, famous for a winegrowing tradition whose roots go back to ancient times. It is known above all for its red wine, Sagrantino di Montefalco, which has been awarded Denominazione di Origine Controllata e Garantita (DOCG) status. Sagrantino is an indigenous grape variety that stands out for its robust structure and powerful tannins, making it ideal for long ageing. The wines of Montefalco are marked by their aromatic complexity, with notes of ripe fruit, spice and an appealing minerality.

Climate: Mediterranean

Altitude: Low to mid altitude (200–500 m above sea level)

Soil: Clay

Geographical setting: Hilly

Profile of Maior

Primary aromas: Ripe red fruit

Secondary aromas: Wood, Spices

Tertiary aromas: Leather, Tobacco

Tasting notes: A robust, complex wine with notes of ripe red fruit and spice. Well-structured tannins and a long finish.

Sulphites	yes
Body	Full-bodied
Acidity	Medium-high
Tannin	Medium-high
Sweetness	Dry
Finish	Long
Colour	Ruby red
Clarity	Clear

Winemaking methods used for Maior

Alcoholic fermentation and maceration

Alcoholic fermentation and maceration is the key process in winemaking, during which the sugars in the must are turned into alcohol through the action of the yeasts. At the same time, in red wines and in some macerated whites, maceration takes place, that is contact between the must and the skins, which allows colour, tannins and aromas to be extracted.

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Ageing methods used for Maior

In cask (19–36 months)

Ageing in barrique for 7 to 18 months is one of the most common stages for medium- and full-bodied wines, where the wood has time to interact with the wine in depth without dominating it. This length gives balanced wines, with greater aromatic complexity, polished tannins and a more refined evolutionary profile, keeping varietal and tertiary notes in balance.

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Time on the lees for Maior

No contact with the lees