The 11th century castle perched on a ridge just outside the town of Magione is the summer residence of the Grand Master of the Sovereign Military Order of Malta.  The order, a medieval organization which now performs charitable works (much like the Red Cross), dates back to 1150 and the Castle was a hospice which greeted and cured pilgrims making journeys to Rome and Jerusalem.  It is now also home to a small but fully equipped winery.  Grapes from the surrounding estate vineyards, some 30 hectares in the “Colli del Trasimeno” DOC, are cultivated to produce four wines, 2 white and 2 red. 

Carpaneto, the name of one vineyard, is planted to Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Gamay.  These varieties are vinified separately, then blended in appropriate proportions ( 50% Sangiovese, 20% Cabernet, 20% Merlot, and 10% Gamay) to make a plush, modern-style red.  Aging in French oak barrique rounds out the tannins and adds a toasty component to the flavor.  Marco Monchiero, one of Italy’s most respected winemakers, is the consultant.