Lungarotti Torgiano Rubesco 2009
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James
Suckling
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James Suckling
A wonderful example of this wine, with dark-berry, licorice and dark-chocolate character. Full body, chewy and round-textured.
Lungarotti’s history is a love-story for the land spanning many generations. In the 18th century the Lungarotti family was already producing wine and olive oil in the Mid-Tiber River valley. After World War II this activity grew and was consolidated, culminating in the creation of Rubesco and Torre di Giano whose first vintage on the market dates back to 1962. These wines represent two of the first DOC appellations in Italy (Rosso and Bianco di Torgiano, since 1968). The 1964 vintage marks the first production of Rubesco Riserva Vigna Monticchio (Torgiano Rosso Riserva DOCG), a wine which has put Umbria on the world wine map.
Since 1999, when Giorgio Lungarotti passed away, the estate has been guided by his daughter Chiara, the CEO, and her sister Teresa, assisted by their mother Maria Grazia and grandchildren Francesco and Gemma.
Today Lungarotti boasts 250 hectares of vineyards whose cornerstone is sustainability, between the Torgiano estate (230 ha, VIVA certification since 2018) and the one in Montefalco (20 ha, organic since 2010). Native varietals such as Sangiovese, Colorino, Sagrantino, Grechetto, Trebbiano Spoletino and Vermentino are planted alongside international varietals like Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Chardonnay and Pinot Grigio.
Lungarotti is not just wine but also culture, with the Wine Museum of Torgiano, defined by the New York Times as “best in Italy” and the Olive and Oil Museum, managed by the non-profit Lungarotti Foundation directed by art historian Maria Grazia Lungarotti.
Finally, on the scenic road leading up from Torgiano to the Brufa hill – right in between Perugia and Assisi - Lungarotti has created Poggio alle Vigne, an elegant agriturismo among the Rubesco vineyards, ideal for enjoying relaxing holidays surrounded by the scents and sounds of nature.
Winery tours, wine tastings and typical products of the territory at the two wineries, picnics and trekking in the vineyards, guided museum tours: a multitude of experiences to savour in the green heart of Umbria. All this is the Lungarotti Experience.
Italian Red Wine
While picturesque hillsides, endless coastlines and a favorable climate serve to unify the grape-growing culture of this country. The apparent never-ending world of indigenous grape varieties gives Italy an unexampled charm and allure for its red wines. From the steep inclines of the Alps to the sprawling, warm, coastal plains of the south, red grape varieties thrive throughout.
The kings of Italy, wines like Barolo and Barbaresco (made of Nebbiolo), and Chianti and Brunello di Montalcino (made of Sangiovese), as well as Amarone (mostly Corvina), play center stage for the most lauded, collected and cellar-worthy reds. Less popular but entirely deserving of as much praise are the wines made from Aglianico, Sagrantino and Nerello Mascalese.
For those accustomed to drinking New World reds, the south is the place to start. Grapes like Negroamaro or Primitvo from Puglia and Nero d’Avola from Sicily make soft, ammicable, full-bodied, fruit-dominant wines. Curious palates should be on the lookout for Cannonau (Grenache), Lagrein, Teroldego, Ruché, Freisa, Cesanese, Schiopettino, Rossese and Gaglioppo to name a few.