Umbria Translates "Lungarotti"
A Meeting Of Ancient and Modern
The Italian province of Umbria derives its name from the Umbri tribe that settled the region around the Sixth Century B.C. It's history is a cornucopia of battles and invasions between warring tribes such as the Etruscans, Samnites, Carthagians, Romans, Osgoths, Byzentines, Lombards, The Papacy, French and the Piedmontese. It seems many had a hand in forming this unique part of Central Italy before it became part of the Kingdom of Italy and finally, Italy. Umbria's very soil is made up of sediments from an ancient lake that forms an excellent growing medium for crops which include grape vines.
Another writer, states that Umbria may have a relation to the Italian word "ombra" which means shadow---in this case can be attributed, topographically to the very hills that suround the region and politically by that of the nearby region of Tuscany, famous for its scenery, culture, food and wine! But this is no more! This area, steeped in medieval tradition is being rejeuvenated as that of a modern and dynamic commercial, industrial and tourist centre while still keeping its artistic and culinery focus.
The Talents Of Geography
The hilly region of Umbria is surrounded by other regions/provinces. Tuscany (West) is the most famous with the lesser famous but also well known wine area of Marche (East) and Lazio (South) makes up the last political boundary. The Appenines form a natural border between the Marches and Umbria while three river tributaries (Chiascio, Topino, Nera) flow south, into the Tiber River.
Umbria is a very unspoiled and scenic area which has long been settled and thus many natural aspects altered. Many towns have significance not only for their beauty but also for the their being familiar wine names. For example Orvieto, Torgiano and Montefalco as well as historical places such as Assisi, Perugia and Gubio all have a connection with the arts, history and wine!
Lungarotti Rules
Torgiano is about 8 kilometres from Perugia and about 16 from Assisi. It belongs to a whole slew of medieval towns many of which date back to ancient times. In this atmosphere, Doctor Giorio Lugarotti founded his winery in 1962-----an act that changed the fortunes and life for the town and region.
In the 250 hectares just outside of Torigiano, he planted vines of red varietals along the hillsides (Sangiovese, Canaiolo, Merlot, Cabernet, Montepulciano, Pinot Nero and Syrah) with top level wines high on the hillsides with white varieties (Trebbiano, Grechetto, Chardonnay and Pinot Grigio) more towards the lover levels where it is cooler.
At Turrita, a small village withing Montefalco he planted 20 hectares of vines consisting of Sagrantino ( Check out previous blog article "Italian Wine Flows Sagrantino" November 8 2008) Sangiovese and Merlot!
The "Other Side" Of Lugarotti!
In 1974 Lungarotti founded the Wine Museum in Torgiano where some 5000 years of agricultural history are covered. In 1987, a Foundation for the promotion of wine,olive and oil which later resulted in the Olive and Oil Museum (2000) became a reality! The cultural impact has resulted in the building of hotels, spas and vineyard tourist homes that are now enjoyed by many. The dream of Lugarotti has not only come through but has flourished.
The Wines Of Lungarotti!
Chiara Lungarotti was in Toronto to promote and do a tutored tasting of eight of the Lungarotti wines to members of the Wine Writers Circle Of Canada. The youthful and attractive Chiara is the CEO of Lungarotti who along with her sister Teresa Severini (the winemaker) and her mother Maria Grazia (cultural aspects), form a dynamic representation of what women can do in the wine industry.
Tasting Notes: White
Breza Consignment Only: $14.95 Grechetto, Chardonny, Pinot Grigio
Very pale lemon yellow in colour. The wine has floral notes with citrus spice on the nose. On the palate. It is light, citrus/apple followed by refreshing acidity.
Food and Uses:
Easy sipping especially for summer. A great wine for fish soup, even chowder. I would also like it with grilled sea bass, trout and like food.
Pinot Grigio L.C.B.O #9018 $13.95 Pinot Grigio
Brilliant yellow in colour. Again this wine has a floral nose. The bouquet in some ways reminded me of the grassy qualities of Sauvignon Blanc. I also noted some manderin citrus qualities on both the nose and palate. A pleasant dry white wine that makes for easy sipping.
Food and Uses:
Another wine that would accompany fish soups, chowders and grilled fish such as salmon. One could add mild meats such as ham or chicken.
Torre di Giano Not Available Estimated Price $19.95 Trebbiano, Grechetto
Pale yellow/green in colour. Lemon citrus with hint of floral and melon on the nose. Lemon citrus on the palate with some hints of apple and melon. Pleasant almond acid finish.
Food and Uses:
Great on its own. The choice of dishes is wider than the above two. Risoto with truffles, pasta, shrimp and/or lobster. Surf 'n Turf.
Tasting Notes: Red
Fiamme 2007 Not Available Estimated Price $14.95 Sangiovese, Merlot
Young and lively this wine is designed for easy quick drinking with fine food. On the nose it shows strawberry and cherry nuances with a similar taste of field berries, cherry and raspberry on the the palate. It has a very fresh and lively finish with some fine acidity.
Food and Uses:
Definitely a pizza wine. I would love to try it with grilled salmon and light pizza dishes or something like veal. Of course it is an no brainer for yer average barbecue treat!
Rubesco 2005 L.C.B.O. #41947 $13.95 Sangiovese, Canaiolo
Dark RubyRed/Violet in colour. On the nose, this wine has pleasant smoke, raspberry/cherry, sweet spice. On the palate, there is a pleasant combination of wood (vanilla), red fruit berry flavours with a full mouth feel and forward tannins. The finish is long and persistant.
Food and Uses:
Pasta or rice, red meat and barbecues of all types. This a highly adaptable wine for many foods.
Giubilante 2005 Not Available Estimated Price $24.95 Sangiovese, Merlot, Syrah
Dark Red almost Violet in colour. On the nose it is jammy, with cherry, tobacco and liquorice/anise. On the palate there is much red fruit (raspberry, cherry predominate) and forward tannins giving a very pleasant mouthfeel. The finish has a pleasant anise touch to it.
Food and Uses
Pork chops, Lamb chops, steak, roast beef (medium), makeral. Also good with stews.
Rubesco Riserva 2003 L.C.B.O. #108787 $49.95 Sangiovese, Canaiolo
Deep Ruby Red/Violet in colour. On the nose, violets, black fruit with pepper and leather notes. On the palate, black fruit, vanilla, pepper, coffee and tobacco. Anice and savoury spice on the finish. NIce supple tannins. The tannins are so pleasant that it would be easy to forget that this wine is very ageable.
Food and Uses:
Osso Bucco, Pork Loin, Ribs, Roast Beef (rare) and even Venison. A truly nice wine!
San Giorgio 2003 Unavailable $59.95 Cabernet Sauvignon, Sangiovese, Canaiolo
Purple in Colour. Pepper, Barnyard, Vanilla Wood and Cedar with some smoke on the nose. On the palate Black fruit, tobacco, coffee, chocolate, mint and herbs. Incredible power and difficult to hold in mouth without wanting to swallow. Great finish of cassis, anise and mint. Lovely wine.
Food and Uses:
Game (Venison, Moose, Duck), Very rare roast beef, filet mignon and New York Steak with heaps of mushrooms.
The Italian province of Umbria derives its name from the Umbri tribe that settled the region around the Sixth Century B.C. It's history is a cornucopia of battles and invasions between warring tribes such as the Etruscans, Samnites, Carthagians, Romans, Osgoths, Byzentines, Lombards, The Papacy, French and the Piedmontese. It seems many had a hand in forming this unique part of Central Italy before it became part of the Kingdom of Italy and finally, Italy. Umbria's very soil is made up of sediments from an ancient lake that forms an excellent growing medium for crops which include grape vines.
Another writer, states that Umbria may have a relation to the Italian word "ombra" which means shadow---in this case can be attributed, topographically to the very hills that suround the region and politically by that of the nearby region of Tuscany, famous for its scenery, culture, food and wine! But this is no more! This area, steeped in medieval tradition is being rejeuvenated as that of a modern and dynamic commercial, industrial and tourist centre while still keeping its artistic and culinery focus.
The Talents Of Geography
The hilly region of Umbria is surrounded by other regions/provinces. Tuscany (West) is the most famous with the lesser famous but also well known wine area of Marche (East) and Lazio (South) makes up the last political boundary. The Appenines form a natural border between the Marches and Umbria while three river tributaries (Chiascio, Topino, Nera) flow south, into the Tiber River.
Umbria is a very unspoiled and scenic area which has long been settled and thus many natural aspects altered. Many towns have significance not only for their beauty but also for the their being familiar wine names. For example Orvieto, Torgiano and Montefalco as well as historical places such as Assisi, Perugia and Gubio all have a connection with the arts, history and wine!
Lungarotti Rules
Torgiano is about 8 kilometres from Perugia and about 16 from Assisi. It belongs to a whole slew of medieval towns many of which date back to ancient times. In this atmosphere, Doctor Giorio Lugarotti founded his winery in 1962-----an act that changed the fortunes and life for the town and region.
In the 250 hectares just outside of Torigiano, he planted vines of red varietals along the hillsides (Sangiovese, Canaiolo, Merlot, Cabernet, Montepulciano, Pinot Nero and Syrah) with top level wines high on the hillsides with white varieties (Trebbiano, Grechetto, Chardonnay and Pinot Grigio) more towards the lover levels where it is cooler.
At Turrita, a small village withing Montefalco he planted 20 hectares of vines consisting of Sagrantino ( Check out previous blog article "Italian Wine Flows Sagrantino" November 8 2008) Sangiovese and Merlot!
The "Other Side" Of Lugarotti!
In 1974 Lungarotti founded the Wine Museum in Torgiano where some 5000 years of agricultural history are covered. In 1987, a Foundation for the promotion of wine,olive and oil which later resulted in the Olive and Oil Museum (2000) became a reality! The cultural impact has resulted in the building of hotels, spas and vineyard tourist homes that are now enjoyed by many. The dream of Lugarotti has not only come through but has flourished.
The Wines Of Lungarotti!
Chiara Lungarotti was in Toronto to promote and do a tutored tasting of eight of the Lungarotti wines to members of the Wine Writers Circle Of Canada. The youthful and attractive Chiara is the CEO of Lungarotti who along with her sister Teresa Severini (the winemaker) and her mother Maria Grazia (cultural aspects), form a dynamic representation of what women can do in the wine industry.
Tasting Notes: White
Breza Consignment Only: $14.95 Grechetto, Chardonny, Pinot Grigio
Very pale lemon yellow in colour. The wine has floral notes with citrus spice on the nose. On the palate. It is light, citrus/apple followed by refreshing acidity.
Food and Uses:
Easy sipping especially for summer. A great wine for fish soup, even chowder. I would also like it with grilled sea bass, trout and like food.
Pinot Grigio L.C.B.O #9018 $13.95 Pinot Grigio
Brilliant yellow in colour. Again this wine has a floral nose. The bouquet in some ways reminded me of the grassy qualities of Sauvignon Blanc. I also noted some manderin citrus qualities on both the nose and palate. A pleasant dry white wine that makes for easy sipping.
Food and Uses:
Another wine that would accompany fish soups, chowders and grilled fish such as salmon. One could add mild meats such as ham or chicken.
Torre di Giano Not Available Estimated Price $19.95 Trebbiano, Grechetto
Pale yellow/green in colour. Lemon citrus with hint of floral and melon on the nose. Lemon citrus on the palate with some hints of apple and melon. Pleasant almond acid finish.
Food and Uses:
Great on its own. The choice of dishes is wider than the above two. Risoto with truffles, pasta, shrimp and/or lobster. Surf 'n Turf.
Tasting Notes: Red
Fiamme 2007 Not Available Estimated Price $14.95 Sangiovese, Merlot
Young and lively this wine is designed for easy quick drinking with fine food. On the nose it shows strawberry and cherry nuances with a similar taste of field berries, cherry and raspberry on the the palate. It has a very fresh and lively finish with some fine acidity.
Food and Uses:
Definitely a pizza wine. I would love to try it with grilled salmon and light pizza dishes or something like veal. Of course it is an no brainer for yer average barbecue treat!
Rubesco 2005 L.C.B.O. #41947 $13.95 Sangiovese, Canaiolo
Dark RubyRed/Violet in colour. On the nose, this wine has pleasant smoke, raspberry/cherry, sweet spice. On the palate, there is a pleasant combination of wood (vanilla), red fruit berry flavours with a full mouth feel and forward tannins. The finish is long and persistant.
Food and Uses:
Pasta or rice, red meat and barbecues of all types. This a highly adaptable wine for many foods.
Giubilante 2005 Not Available Estimated Price $24.95 Sangiovese, Merlot, Syrah
Dark Red almost Violet in colour. On the nose it is jammy, with cherry, tobacco and liquorice/anise. On the palate there is much red fruit (raspberry, cherry predominate) and forward tannins giving a very pleasant mouthfeel. The finish has a pleasant anise touch to it.
Food and Uses
Pork chops, Lamb chops, steak, roast beef (medium), makeral. Also good with stews.
Rubesco Riserva 2003 L.C.B.O. #108787 $49.95 Sangiovese, Canaiolo
Deep Ruby Red/Violet in colour. On the nose, violets, black fruit with pepper and leather notes. On the palate, black fruit, vanilla, pepper, coffee and tobacco. Anice and savoury spice on the finish. NIce supple tannins. The tannins are so pleasant that it would be easy to forget that this wine is very ageable.
Food and Uses:
Osso Bucco, Pork Loin, Ribs, Roast Beef (rare) and even Venison. A truly nice wine!
San Giorgio 2003 Unavailable $59.95 Cabernet Sauvignon, Sangiovese, Canaiolo
Purple in Colour. Pepper, Barnyard, Vanilla Wood and Cedar with some smoke on the nose. On the palate Black fruit, tobacco, coffee, chocolate, mint and herbs. Incredible power and difficult to hold in mouth without wanting to swallow. Great finish of cassis, anise and mint. Lovely wine.
Food and Uses:
Game (Venison, Moose, Duck), Very rare roast beef, filet mignon and New York Steak with heaps of mushrooms.
posted by Chuck Byers - Wine Consultant | 2:56 AM
<< Home