2009 Rubesco Torgiano Rosso Riserva Vigna Monticchio

Umbria’s most famous wine estate, launched by Giorgio Lungarotti in Italy and abroad, was also the first to make non-Italians aware of the quality wine Umbria is capable of, essentially putting it on the world wine map. The estate is run today by Giorgio’s daughters Chiara and Teresa, helped by star consultant winemaker Lorenzo Landi. At over 250 hectares (certified organic) and 2.25 million bottles produced annually, Lungarotti makes a huge number of different wines, at all price points and quality levels. However, as much as I have always liked the wines, in recent years the reds have become darker in color but also more characterized by darker fruit aromas and flavors than ever before. Back in the 1970s and 1980s, Lungarotti was more synonymous with refined wines that spoke of red fruit aromas and flavors and aged well; they also required lots of patience, a no-no in these fast-moving modern times. In any case, this family’s achievements are numerous: the creation of a new denominazione, Torgiano, all on their own; the beautiful country retreat of Le Tre Vaselle and its outstanding Le Melegrane restaurant; and, most importantly, the world-class Museo del Vino e dell’Olio. The wine museum, loaded with pieces from ancient to modern times, is one of the most important in the world, and should be a must-stop for wine lovers everywhere.