A weekend in Montefalco, in Umbria in the city of Sagrantino, tips for a low cost weekend, with suggestions where to eat well and where to sleep in style while spending the right amount, read them in the post here.
The region Umbria, the green heart of Italy, is like a small casket that contains very precious treasures that are often little known to the general public. Montefalco is undoubtedly one of these. Montefalco is a small and fascinating medieval village located in the province of Perugia; it stands on a splendid hill overlooking olive groves as far as the eye can see, and is surrounded by the famous Sagrantino vineyards.
Certainly those who go to these areas are not looking for the celebrity and chaos of famous countries all over the world such as Montalcino, well known to the general public and therefore very popular with tourists.
Montefalco, a haven of tranquility
Those who go to Montefalco do so first of all because they know how to appreciate the refinements of a region that can boast a eno-gastronomic heritage more unique than rare and also because he knows he can taste an excellent glass of red wine accompanied by the inevitable Umbrian cured meats in all tranquility, lazily accommodated in one of the beautiful wine bars that dot the center of the small town. In fact, the ancient village of Montefalco is today an urban center tailored to human beings, welcoming and quiet, surrounded by a breathtakingly beautiful panorama that invites relaxation, serenity and peace.
In addition, this small village hides some truly unique gems, such as the little miracle that you will find in the convent of Santa Chiara: the oldest Sagrantino vine in the area, dating back 150 years ago.
Il Sagrantino wine it is the king of Umbrian red wines, only recently rediscovered and re-evaluated in all its unique characteristics. Sagrantino itself is a native vine that grows in a truly circumscribed area and that gives a wine of great body and intensity that is increasingly appreciated by connoisseurs and enthusiasts. It is a wine that lends itself to great aging, of considerable alcohol content, very tannic, with an intense garnet red color and intense aromas of wood and red fruit.
It must absolutely be tasted in its place of production to better appreciate its organoleptic characteristics and to experience the magic of an absolutely unique wine. An advice: try the Sagrantino Passito, you will discover an after-meal wine, able to perfectly accompany even meditative moments, of great quality and with a very original taste.
After taking a pleasant walk around the town, stopping here and there to admire the small artisan shops and the shops with the inevitable souvenirs, my advice is to stop for a regenerating stop at theFederico II wine shop, which is located in the center and overlooks the beautiful Piazza del Comune. I particularly like this wine shop because you can sit on nice tables outside already from spring until late autumn; moreover here you can taste an excellent glass of Sagrantino di Montefalco DOCG accompanied by the best traditional cold cuts and cheeses local, with thinly sliced saltless bread. The location of this place is incomparable which, combined with the courtesy and professionalism of the staff and the quality of the food and wine offer, will make you spend a pleasant moment of relaxation and sensory satisfaction.
After this pleasant moment of refreshment you will be ready to continue exploring the small town of Montefalco.
To complete the itinerary I would suggest visiting the church-museum of San Francesco, in the historic center and a few steps from the wonderful square where you stopped. The civic museum housed here will offer you a nice overview of the history of one of the most beautiful villages in Italy. Then you can walk around freely the alleys of Montefalco, surprising you to discover delightful glimpses of life that seem almost suspended in time, and small medieval churches that are almost unknown but incredibly fascinating. Photography enthusiasts will undoubtedly have the opportunity to test their compositional skills in the magic of this timeless village.
An interesting and original stage for an exploration could also be the monastery of Santa Chiara (but can only be visited on request), slightly away from the historic center.
A fairytale farmhouse
After visiting the village of Montefalco it is time to look for an accommodation for the night, which is pleasantly inserted in the context of the Umbrian countryside and which is at the same time low budget. Impossible? No, absolutely not for an avid traveler like me. In fact, wandering around the area I found a beautiful, welcoming and cheap one farmhouse which is located a few kilometers from Montefalco, about 10 minutes by car, in the town of Castel Ritaldi.
The farm is called The keeping of memories and is strategically located with respect to the center of the small medieval village, immersed in a Sagrantino vineyard. The rooms have been obtained from a careful and skilful renovation of the old manor house in a quiet and peaceful area, outside the town walls.
The materials used for the renovation are typical of the territory, in full respect of the Umbrian tradition; the furnishings are in a rustic style and are embellished with non-negligible details such as stylish linens or a beautiful fireplace. All rooms are equipped with a kitchenette where you can prepare your meals in comfort, perhaps buying some of the splendid typical products of the area.
This will allow you to taste delicious food at reasonable prices, in front of the crackling fireplace in winter or in the comfortably seated garden of the farmhouse during the summer ... not bad right? In fact, in summer you can fully enjoy the outdoor spaces of the Tenuta dei Ricordi, where you will find the wonderful garden equipped with a comfortable gazebo, il barbecue, a 'playground Children, and finally armchairs and tables available for guests.
You can also cool off in the gorgeous saltwater pool and be pampered by the bubbles of Jacuzzi.
In short, at Tenuta dei Ricordi you will find a corner of paradise where you can relax after a long day spent exploring the magical Umbrian territory and the town of Montefalco. I point out this farm not only for its objective beauty and for the wide choice of services available to guests, but also and above all for the splendid and warm welcome of the family that runs this magnificent farm, a place where you will surely build many of your more good memories.
A gourmet restaurant
In case you don't feel like cooking and want to spoil yourself with agastronomic experience indimenticabile, I can recommend a restaurant just outside the walls of Castel Ritaldi, about 1 kilometer from the farmhouse, with your eyes closed.
The restaurant is called Locanda Rovicciano and is masterfully managed by chef Andrea Leonelli, so much so that it has been mentioned in numerous gastronomic guides. The restaurant is housed in the cellars of an old manor house originally built in the 600s and later masterfully renovated.
The rooms are obviously in a rustic style but are so treated in detail as to be refined and extremely welcoming. You will definitely love the huge fireplace lit on cold winter evenings, and you will appreciate the feeling of warmth that the environment itself possesses, a warmth that comes from the great love of Andrea and his wife for this place and for their work.
In summer it is possible dine in the courtyard under the moonlight, and also in the garden, sofas and armchairs are set up where you can sit down to taste a glass of wine accompanied by appetizers or the wonderful desserts prepared by Andrea. In this way you can experience an unforgettable after dinner, immersed in the peace of the Umbrian countryside. The Rovicciano inn is a magical place with a unique atmosphere and a decidedly high level eno-gastronomic offer.
In fact, Andrea's cuisine is certainly original but firmly rooted in the gastronomic traditions of the Umbrian territory, and offers express dishes prepared with the freshest ingredients combined with excellent wines. The value for money in my opinion it is excellent, in fact you will be able to make a dinner like a king with a figure that does not reach 40 euros per person, eating and drinking at an excellent level. At the weekend I recommend you book if you don't want to stay out.
