Sagrantino
Also known as: Sagrantino di Montefalco
Pure vinifera: susceptible to the common fungal diseases (downy/powdery/black rot) like any vinifera; thick skins give some bunch-rot resilience. Extreme tannin. Best as a structural blending component (Chambourcin / Regent).
Across the consideration criteria
What it makes
Aromatic family
Tasting notes
How it grows
- Cold hardiness
- -8°F
- Ripening
- Late-season
- Vigor
- Moderate
- Disease tolerance
- Moderate
- Drainage need
- Well
- Soil pH
- 6–6.8
- Graft requirement
- Graft Required
- US availability
- Rare
Considerations
Primary buds start to die near -8°F. Cold-tender; wants a mild winter or protected site.
Needs roughly 3500 growing degree-days to ripen, a late-season variety (Winkler IV-V). Wants a long, warm season; marginal in cool regions.
Foliar-disease pressure is heavy for this variety, a intensive spray program in a humid climate. Plan on a full, well-timed fungicide schedule.
Susceptible to Pierce's disease. Only a threat in the warm, humid South and parts of California; cold-winter regions cure it naturally.
Moderate vigor. Easier to balance; tolerates more fertile ground.
High heat tolerance. Holds up to a hot, sunny season.
Moderate water demand. Average moisture needs for a wine grape.
Prefers soil pH between 6.0 and 6.8. Outside the band, lime or sulfur brings it in range.
Phylloxera-susceptible: plant grafted onto resistant rootstock.
These are intrinsic to the grape. On a real property, Folia scores each against your site; here they're shown on their own.
Grows alike
similar to growPetit Verdot
Same heat band (high) · Same Winkler band (IV-V)
Cabernet Sauvignon
Same heat band (high) · Both moderate diurnal dependence
Teroldego
Same heat band (high) · Both moderate diurnal dependence
Agiorgitiko
Same heat band (high) · Both moderate diurnal dependence
Xinomavro
Same heat band (high) · Same Winkler band (IV-V)
Syrah
Same heat band (high) · Same Winkler band (IV-V)
Climate-adapted alternatives
more resilient picksCrimson Cabernet
PIWI: bred for fungal pressure · Better downy mildew + powdery mildew resistance (6 pathogen-steps improved)
Divico
PIWI: bred for fungal pressure · Better downy mildew + powdery mildew resistance (6 pathogen-steps improved)
Maréchal Foch
PIWI: bred for fungal pressure · Better downy mildew + powdery mildew resistance (4 pathogen-steps improved)
Champanel
PIWI: bred for fungal pressure · Better downy mildew + powdery mildew resistance (6 pathogen-steps improved)
Corot Noir
PIWI: bred for fungal pressure · Better downy mildew + powdery mildew resistance (5 pathogen-steps improved)
Norton
PIWI: bred for fungal pressure · Better downy mildew + powdery mildew resistance (5 pathogen-steps improved)
Could Sagrantino grow on your land?
See how Sagrantino scores against your specific property, with local precedent, climate, and the tradeoffs for your ground.
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