By Federico Donti and Simone Bandini
On a bright spring day, we enter the heart of the Montefalco area, through the rolling hills dotted with orderly rows, silvery patches of olive trees and green wheat fields. The ditches murmur because of the recent rains. We return to visit our friend Iacopo Panbuffetti who – together with his cousin Liù – carries on the historical legacy of the Cantine Scacciadiavoli with dedication and tenacity. A family tradition that, from 1884 to the present day, has reached the fourth generation.
After welcoming us warmly and the necessary mutual updates, Iacopo begins to tell us with great enthusiasm the history of the winery which, in over a century, has gone through important changes: “Since I was a child, I have lived intensely these wonderful lands of Sagrantino. There are many childhood memories, when we played around the farm. Surely this simple and rural life has determined my great love for nature and the countryside in adult life”.
Here, this certainly defines him: “Most of my trips, especially the elective ones, that is, those that I can choose beyond my profession, have a naturalistic inspiration”. Going and then coming back and taking the world with you: “Right here in my house!”
But let’s go back to the history of the family and the winery: “Montefalco and the Sagrantino grape variety are part of the DNA of the Scacciadiavoli winery and the Pambuffetti family, a union that began with Amilcare’s dream and that continues today with our fourth generation”.
The property covers 130 hectares of surface, with 40 hectares of vineyards and the rest of arable land. It is a succession of harmonious reliefs, in symbiosis with the typical landscape of the southern Umbrian Valley, terroir of the five municipalities included by the Montefalco DOC and DOCG and Spoleto DOC denominations: Gualdo Cattaneo, Giano dell’Umbria, Bevagna, Castel Ritaldi and of course Montefalco.
The winery, in its historical and architectural forms, is a sort of futuristic fortress, solid and imposing like few others: the structure in fact looks almost like a stronghold, partly underground: at the back, the difference in height of the land allows grapes, men and vehicles to reach directly on the top floor: here the vinification takes place, which exploits gravity, allows the natural passage of the wines to the lower levels, aging site.
The Scacciadiavoli estate was founded back in 1884: Ugo Boncompagni Ludovisi, Prince of Piombino, founded a French-style, visionary and avant-garde winery, destined to become a pioneering technological model for the entire Umbrian and Italian territory. In 1954 the Pambuffetti family of Foligno, well-known merchants in the agri-food sector, took over the agricultural enterprise; it was acquired by Amilcare who, as a boy, just fourteen years old, had worked on the estate as a farmer. Amilcare and Carlo were then joined by their sons and grandchildren: today Liù and Iacopo continue the tradition – while Romeo, Fiammetta and Amilcare jr. manage the historic Pambuffetti grocery store in Foligno, with its renowned butcheries and the historic cod import and trade.
In 2023, then, the adventure of Scacciadiavoli’s bubbles came to a head with the acquisition of a Champagne brand: Marie Clugny.
Inside the estate we find a welcoming and scenic wine shop in the indoor and outdoor spaces, in the large perspective courtyard, almost metaphysical (vaguely reminiscent of a painting by De Chirico). Memorable tastings are staged here for patrons, with many different types and experiences, specially designed by the reception team.
But let’s take a step back and ask for an account of the etymology of the word ‘Scacciadiavoli’. “The name Scacciadiavoli dates back to an episode of exorcism in the fourteenth century. The story tells of a young woman possessed by the Devil, to whom the exorcist made drink local wine, managing in that way to drive out the Devil”, they tell us.
Finally, the motto ‘Sola Fides’ well expresses the feeling that characterizes the country civilization: “It is the conviction that the land will reward daily work with products of great personality and quality”. It is the same trust that Scacciadiavoli places in the land of Montefalco.
Info: Scacciadiavoli, Località Cantinone 31, Montefalco (Pg) / www.scacciadiavoli.it
GUIDED TOURS AND TASTINGS:
Tel: +39 0742 371210 / Email: visits@scacciadiavoli.it
ADMINISTRATIVE AND COMMERCIAL OFFICE:
Tel: +39 0742 378272 / Email: info@scacciadiavoli.it
