Agri Segretum Cru HTH 2018

Agri Segretum Cru HTH 2018 is the flagship red wine from this small Umbrian estate, crafted exclusively from the region’s noble Sagrantino grape. Sourced from a single, particularly prized parcel, this cuvée is dedicated to the mysterious ‘HTH’—a quiet nod on the label that the winery keeps deliberately enigmatic. Long élevage and a patient, traditional approach result in a powerful yet refined wine that captures the dark, brooding personality of Sagrantino in a polished, cellar‑worthy style.

Tasting Notes
In the glass, Cru HTH 2018 shows a deep, almost opaque ruby core with violet highlights, hinting at both concentration and youth. The nose is intense but not showy, gradually revealing layers of dark berries and black fruits—blackcurrant, blackberry and macerated plum—interwoven with notes of dried violets, tobacco leaf, leather, and hints of rumtopf and spice from its extended maturation. On the palate, the wine is full‑bodied and firmly structured, as you’d expect from pure Sagrantino, but the tannins are polished rather than rustic. Ripe black fruits, cassis and dark cherry are wrapped in savory accents of cocoa, cigar box, dried herbs and a touch of balsamic complexity. The acidity is fresh and well‑judged, giving lift to the dense core of fruit and carrying through to a long, persistent finish with echoes of dark florals and spice. Built for longevity, the 2018 Cru HTH has excellent aging potential; over 10–15 years in bottle it should gain further aromatic nuance and a more velvety texture, rewarding patient cellaring.

Production
Cru HTH comes from a special, carefully selected parcel in Umbria, where Sagrantino thrives on well‑drained, sun‑exposed slopes that combine clay, limestone and stony soils. This terroir naturally limits yields and concentrates flavor, while the region’s warm days and cooler nights help preserve freshness in the grapes. The fruit is harvested by hand at optimal ripeness, allowing rigorous selection in the vineyard. Fermentation is carried out with indigenous yeasts, emphasizing a spontaneous, low‑intervention approach that reflects the character of both site and vintage. After fermentation, the wine undergoes a notably long élevage of around six years, including approximately 24 months in French barriques, followed by extended maturation in tank and bottle. This patient, slow development polishes Sagrantino’s formidable tannins and builds the depth and complexity that define Cru HTH.

Food & Serving
This is a serious, structured Umbrian red that shines with rich, savory dishes. Think slow‑braised lamb shank, ossobuco, wild boar ragù, grilled bistecca alla fiorentina or hearty stews of game and root vegetables. Aged pecorino, mature Parmigiano‑Reggiano and truffled dishes also make excellent partners, as they can stand up to the wine’s intensity and tannin. Serve at 16–18°C, slightly on the cooler side for a full‑bodied red, to keep the fruit vibrant and the structure in balance. Decanting for 1–2 hours is strongly recommended in its youth to allow the aromatics to open and the tannins to soften; older bottles may need a gentler, shorter decant to remove sediment and let the wine unfold gradually in the glass.

Producer
Agri Segretum is a boutique estate in Umbria, focused on producing characterful wines that speak clearly of their origins. Working with native varieties such as Sagrantino, the winery has gained a quiet but growing reputation among enthusiasts for its thoughtful, low‑intervention philosophy and meticulous attention to detail from vineyard to bottle. Cru HTH stands as the estate’s flagship bottling, showcasing just how refined and complex pure Sagrantino can be when sourced from a top parcel and given ample time to evolve. Within Umbria’s dynamic wine scene, Agri Segretum is increasingly recognized as a producer to watch, helping to elevate the region’s profile for serious, age‑worthy reds.