In Montefalco, in the land of Sagrantino, a boutique winery with 16 hectares of vineyards – in addition to olive groves – expresses the passion for wine of the Lungarotti (link) family, which, as Hugh Johnson wrote, ‘has put Umbria on the world wine map’. Tenuta Brancalupo (link) arises from the desire to affirm the vision behind the winery, created in 2000 in Montefalco and now renewed in its agronomic and oenological approach, as well as in its indoor and outdoor spaces. This exploration project represents a fundamental step in the renewal process undertaken by the Lungarotti family since 2024 to redefine its wines and image in a manner consistent with its history and the values of the region.
An evolution of identity that embraces thought, people and aesthetic vision: Lungarotti’s journey of renewal, driven by the ambitious Progetto 1962 at the Torgiano Estate, has now reached a new synthesis. While the iconic labels — Rubesco and Torre di Giano — have been celebrated in a new guise in both form and substance, today the baton passes to the Tenuta Brancalupo Estate in Montefalco. Here, the territory returns to the forefront not only as a geographical origin, but as a manifesto of a lifestyle: a slow and authentic elegance, capable of restoring the profound value of conviviality on a human scale.
The name Brancalupo evokes not only the animal dear to St. Francis of Assisi (a symbol of simple life and unity with nature) but also loyalty to and affinity with the territory, reflecting the values rooted in Umbria and always part of Lungarotti’s DNA. Brancalupo is also the name of the acanthus plant, whose leaves resemble a wolf’s paw, a metaphor for the mark that the family is leaving with its daily commitment, generation after generation.
The project has its roots in the vision of Giorgio Lungarotti, a pioneer of modern Italian viticulture and one of the first to believe in the potential of Sagrantino to represent Umbria alongside his beloved Sangiovese. Upon his death in 1999, his legacy was taken up and developed by Chiara Lungarotti and her sister Teresa, with the aim of taking Montefalco wine to a new stylistic frontier, far from harshness and capable of withstanding time with elegance, putting immediate pleasure at the centre. “Sagrantino is a difficult grape variety to tame, but one that can give immense satisfaction”, emphasises Chiara Lungarotti, winery head. This challenge translates into wines that are balanced and pleasant even when young, thanks to rigorous tannin management starting in the vineyard.
Alongside Sagrantino (link), Tenuta Brancalupo also promotes Trebbiano Spoletino (link), a thousand-year-old native variety that is becoming one of the most sought-after niche Italian whites. The debut of an elegant, fresh and mineral Trebbiano Spoletino DOC 2024 (link) marks the relaunch of the winery, expanding Montefalco’s range, which until now had consisted exclusively of reds.
For years now, the Lungarotti family has embraced VIVA sustainability certification: everyone at the winery is deeply convinced that sustainable agriculture guarantees not only the absolute quality of the wines, but also respect for the ecosystem, reflecting the values that inspire Lungarotti and summarised in its 5 C’s, which also outline the philosophy of Tenuta Brancalupo: countryside, cellar, culture, community and continuity. Five pillars that hold together the environment, people and the future. This vision is so deeply rooted in the family that in Montefalco, after 15 years, it was decided to gradually abandon organic vineyard management in favour of a more sustainable approach, in order to significantly reduce the environmental impact.
The cellar, located in the underground portion of an elegant villa surrounded by vineyards, has been redesigned as a place of silence and contemplation, in harmony with the landscape and the Franciscan spirit of Umbria. It is also a setting that welcomes new wine tourism experiences, designed for those seeking authenticity and a deep connection with the territory.
Tenuta Brancalupo thus represents a project of vision and continuity, where wine becomes an expression of memory, landscape, shared identity and perspective.
