Lungarotti presents the 2016 vintage of their flagship wine crowned as “Italy’ s best red”
September 29 2021 – Nominated by Gentleman magazine as “Italy’s best red wine”, Rubesco Riserva Vigna Monticchio 2016 by Lungarotti is finally available in the best wine-shops.
A wine that has been produced by the historical Umbrian winery for more than 50 years, this pure Sangiovese cru is prized for its extraordinary balance between power and elegance. Bottled only in the best vintages such as the 2016 harvest, which in Torgiano (a small village between Perugia and Assisi) has been one of the best of the past decade thanks to a mild winter with little rain followed by a hot summer with August thundershowers that helped avoid hydric stress in the vines. Harvesting of the Sangiovese grapes from the vines in the Monticchio vineyard began on October 5th when the grapes had reached the perfect level of maturation.
The characteristics of the Sangiovese grape – the “king” of the varietals in central Italy, vinified here as a single varietal – are enhanced by the low yield per plant in the Monticchio vineyard, located on the Torgiano hillsides with perfect exposition, allowing the vineyard to express its unique qualities.
Rubesco Riserva Vigna Monticchio 2016 is a harmonious wine with wonderful balance. A long maceration on the skins at controlled temperature preceded the aging of one year in large 50Hl (1320 gallon) casks and in barriques, after which it refined for at least three years in bottle before leaving the cellars.
Its colour is an intense and lively ruby red while the bouquet impresses with its notes of sweet spices alternating with red fruit, sweet tobacco and cocoa. The flavour is elegant followed by a continuous, fruity structure with engaging freshness and delicate balsamic hints; a lengthy persistence on the finish with pleasing and austere tannins. It pairs perfectly with roasts, braised meats and aged cheeses as well as with dishes of the most refined international cuisine.
Acclaimed among the Top Ten Italian red wines for many years now, it has reached the pinnacle of Best Italian red with the correlation of the scores from Italy’s most authoritative 2021 wine guides (shared with Bolgheri Sassicaia 2017); Rubesco Riserva Vigna Monticchio is the symbol of Umbria and its viticultural and wine-producing tradition.
“Rubesco Riserva Vigna Monticchio is synonymous with Lungarotti” – declared Chiara Lungarotti, CEO of the family company – “A wine that in the 1960’s was innovative: it was created by my father Giorgio and reflected his personality. Indeed, wines are an expression not only of a territory but also of the producer, so although its identity has remained, even Rubesco Riserva Vigna Monticchio has undergone an evolution. The 2016 has affirmed itself as a great vintage, already acclaimed by wine critics and experts, and I’m certain that it will surprise everyone right from the first sip, with its elegance and softness. A vintage to remember.”
Nominated by Wine Spectator-Operawine 2021 as one of the 34 best Italian wineries: “They produce world-class wines; they are leaders in their regions; and witness the diversity, heritage and authenticity that are the hallmarks of Italian wine” (cit. Wine Spectator), Lungarotti is a historic Umbrian winery founded in Torgiano by Giorgio Lungarotti and now headed by his daughters Chiara and Teresa, assisted by their mother Maria Grazia and Giorgio’s grandchildren Francesco and Gemma. Today it totals 250 hectares of vineyards situated in the Torgiano Estate (230 ha, VIVA certification since 2018) and the one in Montefalco (20 ha, organically cultivated since 2010). The viticulture practised at both wineries is based on sustainability and biodiversity with a focus on highlighting native varietals interspersed with international varietals. Between the two sites, there are 29 different labels, among which is Rubesco Riserva Vigna Monticchio – Torgiano Rosso Riserva DOCG, one of the best Italian reds, and Rubesco – Rosso di Torgiano DOC, a profound expression of Umbria.
