We’re delving headfirst into Umbria this month! Beginning with this classic, we’re welcoming one of Umbria’s most iconic and historic estates: Scacciadiavoli. Founded in 1884 by Prince Ugo Boncompagni Ludovisi, Scacciadiavoli began as an homage to the wine estates of France through a modern technological lens. Now in the hands of the Pambufetti family, Scacciadiavoli remains centered around Umbria’s noble grape, Sagrantino. The estate was one of the first to use gravity-fed winemaking and utilize the Guyot vine training method, considered unusual for 19th century, rural Italy. The name Scacciadiavoli is derived from local legend, a translation of, “to chase away the devils”. It is said a possessed young woman was given the local red wine during an exorcism, successfully driving out “the devil”. The story was attributed to the local village and eventually the winery itself. The region of Montefalco is considered the most iconic of Umbria’s wine growing regions, centered around Sangiovese-based blends with a backhone of Sagrantino adding depth, structure, and tannin. Scacciadiavoli was one of the first estates to produce a Sangiovese-Sagrantino blend and are often considered the pioneer of modern Montefalco Rosso as we know it today. It is considered one of Italy’s most versatile red wines on the dining table, adding structure and freshness acting as a compliment to traditional Bolognese, porchetta, braised meats, charcuterie, and aged cheese. Cheers!

Essence Restaurant Group

Domaine Jean-Claude Marsanne Saint-Joseph Blanc