Lungarotti Rubesco Sangiovese/Colorino 2018 (Umbria) - Wine Review

After enjoying the lovely 2015 Lungarotti Rubesco Sangiovese/Colorino near two years ago, tonight's wine review is the latest vintage of this lovely red wine that arrived at the LCBO today as part of the December 11th LCBO VINTAGES Release.

Founded in central Italy the early 1960's, Cantine Lungarotti soon became a driving force that opened up new opportunities not only for Torgiano (a commune in the Province of Perugia in Umbria), but also for whole region of Umbria - with wine as the centrepiece.

This Rubesco is Lungarotti's most exported wine worldwide. The name "Rubesco" is derived from the Latin verb "rubescere", which means "to blush" (with joy). Depicted on the label is the harvest from a panel found at the Fontana Maggiore in the city of Perugia, one of Italy's most beautiful Medieval fountains. This fountain was built in approximately 1277.

The 2018 vintage of this wine remains a blend of Sangiovese and Colorino and although I wasn't able to confirm the exact composition, I would expect it to be similar to the previous vintage that was a blend of 90% Sangiovese and 10% Colorino. The grapes were grown on a mixture of looser structure soils on higher hillsides, and in other areas the soils had good structure with a limestone subsoil. Fermentation took place in stainless steel at controlled temperatures with 15 days of skin contact. It was then aged for one year in casks, followed by a year in bottle prior to release. Reports indicate that the 2018 vintage was a success for the region, producing beautifully balanced wines. Let's see how this 2018 red wine from Umbria is tasting tonight...

Tasting Note:

LUNGAROTTI RUBESCO SANGIOVESE/COLORINO 2018 - DOC Rosso di Torgiano, Umbria, Italy (#368548) (XD) - $19.95
A blend of predominantly Sangiovese with Colorino adding colour and tannin, it has a pleasing, medium-high intensity nose has aromas of dark cherry, black plum, stony mineral, and pepper spice accented with violet. On the medium+ bodied palate it has spicy, tangy dark cherry, black plum, mineral, and tobacco flavours supported by fresh, juicy, and well-balanced acidity. The structured, dusty textured tannins have some chalky grip and will reward ageing. I like the stony mineral notes that linger on the long finish. Recommended buy. Score: 89 pts

You may find one or two wines from Lungarotti at the LCBO, while others from their lovely portfolio can be ordered through their Agent - Profile Wine Group.