Romanelli: A Family’s Organic Legacy in the Heart of Umbria
Located in the rolling hills of Montefalco, the Romanelli winery is a living testament to the harmony between land, family, and tradition. Founded in 1978 by brothers Amedeo and Costantino Romanelli, the estate has grown into a 30-hectare haven of vineyards and olive groves, all cultivated with an unwavering commitment to organic farming.
Today, three generations tend these lands, with Devis and Fabio leading the way, crafting wines that speak of Umbrian soil, sun, and centuries-old heritage.
At a glance
Region: Umbria (Montefalco)
Winemakers: Devis & Fabio Romanelli
Known For: Crafting single-vineyard Montefalco wines that express the true character of Sagrantino and Trebbiano Spoletino
Wine Style: Structured, terroir-driven wines with depth, elegance, and remarkable aging potential
Philosophy: Let nature lead - every vineyard should tell its own story through minimal intervention and respect for tradition
Production: Family-owned estate founded in 1978, producing wines from estate-grown Sagrantino, Sangiovese, Grechetto, and Trebbiano Spoletino
Sustainability: Organic farming rooted in harmony between vineyard, soil, and biodiversity
Imported by: Porcalorca
Nestled in the hills of Montefalco, Romanelli is a family estate where organic farming, tradition, and terroir come together in perfect harmony. Founded in 1978 and today led by Devis and Fabio Romanelli, the winery focuses on expressing the individuality of each vineyard through single-cru wines crafted from Umbria's most iconic grape varieties. From the power and longevity of Sagrantino to the elegance of Trebbiano Spoletino, every bottle reflects the character of Montefalco and the deep connection between the family and their land.
A Journey Through Time: Roots in Montefalco’s Terroir
The Romanelli story begins in the late 1970s, but its spirit reaches back much further to the Etruscan era, when the hills of Montefalco were already famed for their fertility.
From the start, the family embraced a sustainable, closed-loop approach to farming: nurturing 8 hectares of vineyards and 12 hectares of ancient olive groves side by side, each enriching the other.
The heart of their winemaking lies in the local grapes, Sagrantino, Sangiovese, Grechetto, and Trebbiano Spoletino, cultivated in distinct vineyard parcels, each with its own microclimate and soil. This patchwork of terroirs yields wines that are layered, elegant, and unmistakably of their place.
Their philosophy is simple yet profound: each wine should be born from a single cru, allowing the unique expression of each site to shine without blending away its identity.
The Winemakers: Devis and Fabio Romanelli
Brothers Devis and Fabio embody the next chapter of the Romanelli legacy, combining inherited wisdom with an openness to new ideas.
Devis, in particular, has become known for reviving “vino maritato” - the ancient practice of training vines on living trees. In their Le Tese vineyard, Trebbiano Spoletino vines climb six-meter-tall maple trees, creating a living tapestry that produces one of their most distinctive wines.
Le Tese is an aromatic and textured white, fermented with long skin contact and aged patiently to bring out notes of citrus, exotic fruit, and honey, a nod to the golden hue of the wine and the sweetness of its aromas.
This method not only preserves biodiversity but also reflects the region’s agricultural past, when mixed cultivation was essential for survival.
Beyond wine, Romanelli is equally renowned for its award-winning organic extra virgin olive oil. Harvested by hand and cold-pressed within hours, it captures the freshness and intensity of Umbria’s olive heritage.
Marco’s personal notes
Our visit to Romanelli turned into a four-hour conversation, those situations where you feel immediately that there is a connection. The kind where time slips away, and you leave feeling less like visitors and more like family. Together with Devis and Debora, Ambassador of Romanelli, we spoke about challenges and traditions, explored vineyards where history breathes through every vine the richness, tasted the soul of this unique land in their wines and olive oil.
Devis explained how the maple trees in the Le Tese vineyard through the “married vine” system connects past and present, and how it mirrors their holistic approach to farming. We tasted Trebbiano Spoletino that glowed like amber and carried honeyed aromas, and Montefalco Sagrantino that spoke of strength and elegance in equal measure.
Romanelli’s philosophy, crafting wines accurately from the same cru, preserving biodiversity, and farming organically not as a marketing choice but as a way of life, resonates deeply with us at Porcalorca. It is the perfect embodiment of “Where every bottle tells a story.”
Discover the Wines
UMBRIA
If Sagrantino embodies the structure, energy, and longevity of Montefalco’s wines, Rosso represents the everyday soul of the territory. Capo de Casa is born from the vineyards of Colle San Clemente, on clay and calcareous-silty soils, from a blend of Sangiovese, Sagrantino, and Merlot. It is a balanced and dynamic wine, combining freshness with depth, a faithful companion to the seasons and the table. Its name recalls the “house wine” of the past, once produced from the grape varieties present in the vineyard and enjoyed during family moments and shared meals.
Grape variety
Sangiovese 65%, Sagrantino 15%, Merlot 20%.
Vineyards of origin
Estate-owned vineyards in Colle San Clemente, Montefalco, at 350 meters above sea level.
Soil: Clay and calcareous-silty loam.
Training system: Spurred Cordon.
Season in the field: Manual harvest in October, with grapes at full phenolic ripeness.
Average yield: 80 q/ha, 5000 vines per hectares.
Vinification
Grapes, harvested and manually picked at full phenolic ripeness, remain in contact with the skins for about 30–45 days, allowing complete extraction of color, aromas, and tannins.
Aging: Aged for at least 18 months in different types of containers, depending on the vineyard of origin, followed by bottle refinement.
Tasting notes
Bright ruby red color. On the nose, aromas of cherry and blackberry blend with subtle spice and a delicate vegetal note. On the palate, structured yet refined, fresh and vibrant, with excellent persistence and balance that invites another sip.
Pairings
Appetizers and first courses from Umbrian tradition, cheeses, cured meats, and rich dishes typical of the Montefalco area. Excellent with first courses featuring black truffle.
Alcohold content and serving temperature
Alcohol content: 14,5% Vol.
Serving temperature: 16 - 18°C.
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UMBRIA - ORANGE WINE
With the desire to rediscover the most authentic traditions of its territory, Romanelli turned its attention to Trebbiano Spoletino, an ancient Umbrian grape variety of rare elegance. Le Tese comes from vineyards located between Montefalco and Castel Ritaldi, on clay soils that produce highly aromatic grapes, rich in texture and marked by vibrant acidity. Outstanding in its youth, it develops further over time, acquiring even more refined and profound nuances, a white of great charm, telling the inseparable story of grape, land, and winemaker’s hand.
Grape variety
100% Trebbiano Spoletino.
Vineyards of origin
Selection of grapes from estate-owned vineyards in the municipalities of Montefalco and Castel Ritaldi, at an altitude of 220 meters above sea level.
Soil: Clay.
Training system: Guyot, “palmetta” and “vite maritata”.
Season in the field: Regular vintage with manual harvest at the end of October, when the grapes reach full phenolic ripeness.
Average yield: 80 q/ha, 3000 vines per hectares.
Vinification
The grapes ferment in contact with the skins for 40–50 days, extracting aromas, color, and structure, in accordance with the ancient Trebbiano Spoletino tradition.
Aging: 8 months in stainless steel on fine lees, followed by at least 6 months of bottle aging.
Tasting notes
Golden yellow color, typical of medium-long skin maceration. The nose is intense and complex, with notes of ripe citrus, exotic fruits, and yellow-fleshed fruit, enriched with mineral nuances. On the palate it is broad and structured, with great texture and lively acidity that brings balance and lift. Long and persistent finish.
Pairings
Perfect with cheeses and cured meats, egg-based dishes, vegetarian appetizers, and black truffle preparations. Also pairs well with flavorful fish dishes or shellfish.
Alcohold content and serving temperature
Alcohol content: 12,5% Vol.
Serving temperature: 12 - 14°C.
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UMBRIA
Molinetta takes its name from an old mill that once stood next to the production area. It comes from a single plot in Colle San Clemente, Montefalco, characterized by sandy-clay-loam soils with limestone deposits. Here, Sangiovese—complemented by a small percentage of Sagrantino—produces wines of remarkable energy, depth, and longevity. Made only in vintages Romanelli considers exceptional, when terroir, variety, climate, and vineyard work come together in perfect harmony.
Grape variety
Sangiovese 80%, Sagrantino 20%.
Vineyards of origin
Estate-owned vineyards in Colle San Clemente, Montefalco, at 350 meters above sea level.
Soil: Sandy-clay-loam with limestone content.
Training system: Spurred Cordon and Guyot.
Season in the field: Manual harvest in October, with grapes at full phenolic ripeness.
Average yield: 70 q/ha, 5000 vines per hectares.
Vinification
Grapes, harvested and manually picked at full phenolic ripeness, maceration on the skins for 45–60 days to extract color, aromas, and noble tannins.
Aging: Aged for at least 24 months in 2,400-liter French oak barrels, followed by at least 12 months of bottle aging.
Tasting notes
Deep ruby red color. The bouquet opens with a rich array of wild berries, cherries, and plums, complemented by elegant toasted notes. On the palate, structure, elegance, and roundness blend harmoniously with firm yet well-integrated tannins.
Pairings
Perfect with grilled red meats, roasts, cured meats, and aged cheeses.
Alcohold content and serving temperature
Alcohol content: 15% Vol.
Serving temperature: 16 - 18°C.
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UMBRIA
From the heart of Umbria, on the sun-kissed slopes of Colle San Clemente in Montefalco, comes Terra Cupa, the most iconic Sagrantino from Romanelli Winery. Its name recalls the ancient toponym of the road that runs alongside the estate’s most prestigious vineyard — a site blessed with ideal altitude, exposure, and soil composition. Here, small pebbles mix with clay and limestone, yielding grapes of remarkable aromatic concentration and firm, noble tannins. A wine that embodies the truest spirit of Sagrantino: power, elegance, and longevity.
Grape variety
100% Sagrantino
Vineyards of origin
Selection of the ideal grapes for this wine from Estate-owned vineyards located at 350 meters above sea level in Colle San Clemente, Montefalco (PG).
Soil: Clay and limestone with small pebbles, excellent drainage capacity.
Training system: Spurred Cordon.
Season in the field: Very consistent vintage. A cool and rainy spring was followed by a warm but not excessive summer.
A perfect autumn harvest in terms of weather conditions and grape qualitys.
Average yield: 50 q/ha, 5000 vines per hectares.
Vinification
Grapes, harvested and manually picked at full phenolic ripeness, remain in contact with the skins for about 60 days, allowing complete extraction of color, aromas, and tannins.
Aging: Maturation takes place in oak barrels of various capacities (225–2500 liters) for about 24 months, followed by further bottle aging of at least 12 months before release.
Tasting notes
Deep ruby red with garnet reflections. The bouquet is intense and complex: wild blackberry, ripe cherry, and plumintertwine with balsamic notes, hints of wild herbs, and delicate spicy nuances of black pepper and clove. On the palate, it is powerful and full-bodied, with dense yet finely integrated tannins, a surprising freshness, and a long, elegant, and persistent finish, where fruity and spicy sensations return.
Pairings
Perfect with rich and flavorful dishes: legume and grain soups, stuffed pasta with game ragout, roasted lamb or pork, braised meats and slow-cooked game, aged hard cheeses like Pecorino or Parmigiano Reggiano 36 months.
Alcohold content and serving temperature
Alcohol content: 16% Vol.
Serving temperature: 16 - 18°C.
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