Montefalco, a picturesque town in Umbria, has long been associated with Sagrantino, a grape with a history as rich as its tannins. At the forefront of this legacy is Marco Caprai, who has elevated the family-owned Arnaldo Caprai winery into a beacon of innovation and sustainability. Taking over in 1988, Marco embraced a dual commitment: to honor the heritage of Sagrantino while modernizing its cultivation and vinification. With groundbreaking research collaborations, a focus on environmental responsibility, and a dedication to preserving Montefalco’s traditions, Marco Caprai has reshaped the perception of Sagrantino, bringing it to the global stage.

How has the cultivation and vinification of Sagrantino evolved at Arnaldo Caprai since its inception, and what challenges have you encountered in promoting this varietal internationally?

Since its foundation, Arnaldo Caprai has focused on transforming Sagrantino from a local treasure into a world-class wine. We have implemented advanced viticultural practices, including clonal selection, precision farming, and sustainable vineyard management, to fully express its potential. 

In the cellar, we have refined vinification techniques to soften the tannins and balance the wine’s bold structure.

In 2025 we will celebrate 10 years of collaboration with oenologist Michel Rolland. Our mutual collaboration considerably improved the quality of our Sagrantino thanks to the introduction of a new gentle skin extraction technique, the vinification integrale technique (here to deepen information https://vimeo.com/803968236).

The primary challenge internationally has been introducing Sagrantino to markets unfamiliar with its distinct character—its intense tannins, remarkable aging potential, and unique identity. Education through tastings, events, and partnerships has been essential to overcoming these obstacles and building global recognition.

Image: Marco Caprai with Michel Rolland. 

Could you elaborate on the distinct characteristics and target audiences of your Signature Collection wines, such as '25 Anni' and 'Spinning Beauty'?

‘25 Anni’: This wine is a celebration of the excellence of Sagrantino, crafted with precision and care to represent the pinnacle of its potential. It features powerful tannins, rich fruit, and exceptional longevity, appealing to collectors and wine connoisseurs.

‘Spinning Beauty’: As an ultra-premium wine, this represents the culmination of our innovation and respect for tradition. It is a sophisticated, limited-production offering designed for high-end markets and Michelin-starred restaurants. 

The target audiences for these wines are consumers with a refined palate, sommeliers, and enthusiasts seeking unique and memorable experiences.

Image: Sagrantino 25 Anni and Spinning Beauty Montefalco Sagrantino DOCG

What strategies have been most effective in establishing Arnaldo Caprai's presence in diverse international markets?

The cornerstone of our international success has been storytelling: sharing the heritage of Montefalco and the unique attributes of Sagrantino. The Montefalco area is very important from a historical and cultural point of view. We believe that the valorisation of our territory through quality wine tourism and gastronomic offerings is a very important promotional factor for the discovery of our wines. Our estate offers wine-tasting experiences for more than 20,000 visitors every year. Additionally, strategic collaborations with premium distributors, consistent participation in leading wine fairs (e.g., Vinitaly, ProWein), and hosting exclusive tastings have played a crucial role.

Our digital outreach, through engaging social media campaigns and virtual events, has also enabled us to connect with younger wine lovers and professionals worldwide.

Image: The Arnaldo Caprai Winery.

Can you provide insights into the specific technologies and methods employed under your Agriculture 4.0 initiative, and how they have impacted both wine quality and environmental sustainability?

Under our Agriculture 4.0 program, we employ cutting-edge technologies, such as soil sensors, drones, and satellite imaging, to monitor vineyard health in real-time. These tools allow us to make data-driven decisions, optimize vineyard management, and reduce waste.

The impact has been profound: improved grape quality, reduced environmental footprint, and greater resilience to climate challenges. Precision farming has enabled us to adapt to changing conditions while maintaining our commitment to excellence and sustainability.

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With a reported 62% reduction in water usage, what innovative practices have you implemented to achieve this, and how do you plan to further enhance water efficiency in the future?

We have achieved this milestone through the implementation of precision irrigation systems, real-time soil moisture monitoring, and the use of cover crops to retain soil humidity. Additionally, we’ve invested in water recovery systems and minimised waste during vineyard operations.

What have been the key successes and challenges in integrating migrants into your workforce, and how has this initiative influenced the winery's culture and operations?

Our integration program has fostered an inclusive work environment, where diverse backgrounds and skills contribute to our success. Migrants have brought valuable perspectives and resilience, enhancing our team’s dynamism.

The main challenges have been overcoming language barriers and providing adequate training to ensure alignment with our quality standards.

Image: Migrants from different countries.

Could you discuss the most significant findings from your collaborations with academic institutions, particularly the University of Milan, and how they have influenced your viticultural practices?

Our partnership with the University of Milan has yielded groundbreaking insights into clonal selection, vine health, and soil composition. These findings have allowed us to identify Sagrantino clones best suited to our terroir, improving grape quality and resilience. The collaboration with the University of Milan, which started more than 40 years ago, has saved Sagrantino from extinction thanks to the agronomic revaluation of the variety and the introduction of modern winemaking techniques. Additionally, research on fermentation and aging has refined our winemaking processes, reducing interventions while enhancing the expression of our wines’ unique character.

In light of climate change, what adaptive measures are you implementing in your vineyards and winemaking processes to maintain the quality and character of your wines?

To address climate challenges, we’ve adopted drought-resistant rootstocks and adjusted canopy management practices to protect vines from excessive heat. We are also experimenting with higher-altitude vineyards and refining harvest timings to preserve freshness and acidity in the grapes. We are experimenting with controlled irrigation systems to manage summer water stress and systems to protect vineyards from spring frost. In addition, we have developed a prototype of an innovative sprayer that reduces the dispersion of pesticides into the environment by 50%.

In the cellar, we are exploring cooler fermentation techniques and reducing energy consumption to align with our sustainability goals while maintaining wine quality.

Image: The vineyards of the Arnaldo Caprai di Montefalco estate.

Looking ahead, what new technologies or practices are you considering to further enhance sustainability and wine quality at Arnaldo Caprai?

We are exploring artificial intelligence for predictive vineyard management and integrating blockchain technology for transparent tracking of our sustainability practices. Additionally, we aim to adopt fully recyclable packaging materials and further reduce our carbon footprint by optimizing logistics and distribution networks.

How does Arnaldo Caprai balance innovation with the preservation of Montefalco's cultural and winemaking traditions?

“Tradition is a well succeeded innovation”

Innovation at Arnaldo Caprai is always guided by our deep respect for Montefalco’s heritage. While we embrace modern technologies to improve quality and sustainability, we remain committed to traditional practices, such as hand-harvesting and the authentic expression of Sagrantino.

By blending cutting-edge research with cultural preservation, we ensure that our wines not only reflect the spirit of Montefalco but also resonate with a global audience. 

Image: Rituals in the Vineyard - The Harvest; Source: Arnaldo Caprai

Conclusion:

As Marco Caprai continues to navigate the evolving challenges of climate change, market demands, and sustainability, his vision remains steadfast: to create wines that reflect the unique identity of Montefalco while embracing modernity responsibly. By blending tradition with technological advancements and fostering a deep connection to the land, he ensures that the legacy of Sagrantino endures. Under his leadership, the Arnaldo Caprai winery stands as both a guardian of Montefalco’s heritage and a pioneer of its future, inviting wine lovers to discover the depth and character of this remarkable region.

In conversation with Malvika Patel, Editor and VP, Beverage Trade Network

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