What wine is Montefalco Rosso DOC 'Ziggurat' 2023 - Tenuta Castelbuono, Tenute Lunelli?

The Montefalco Rosso DOC 'Ziggurat' 2023 - Tenuta Castelbuono, Tenute Lunelli is an Umbrian red wine with a decisive and harmonious character, born in the heart of one of Italy's most renowned wine regions. It is the result of a blend between Sangiovese, which offers freshness and vibrancy, and Sagrantino, an indigenous Montefalco varietal famous for its structure and vigorous tannins. Completing the blend, small percentages of Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon add roundness and an international touch. It is a full-bodied, elegant, and pleasantly balanced wine, perfect for those who want to discover the authentic soul of Umbria with a modern profile.

Vintage Details

The 2023 vintage was characterized by a balanced climate, with mild springs and a warm but breezy summer that favored regular grape maturation. Sunny days and significant day-night temperature variations concentrated aromas and tannins, yielding a Montefalco Rosso of great finesse and excellent drinkability. The result is a wine that combines intensity and freshness, fully expressing its terroir.

Winemaking and Aging

The grapes are harvested and vinified separately to enhance each individual varietal. After fermentation at controlled temperatures and maceration on the skins lasting an average of 15-20 days, the wine ages for about 12 months in 225-liter barriques and 500-liter tonneaux. Subsequently, it refines in the bottle for an additional year, perfecting its harmony of structure, complexity, and softness.

Tasting Notes

The Montefalco Rosso DOC 'Ziggurat' 2023 - Tenuta Castelbuono, Tenute Lunelli is a wine that seduces with its balance and personality, offering a pleasantness that makes it suitable for various occasions.

Color

Visually, it presents an intense ruby red with youthful violet reflections, a sign of its freshness and vitality.

Nose

The aroma is broad and enveloping, with notes of ripe red fruits such as cherry and blackberry, followed by spicy hints and subtle nuances of vanilla and cocoa derived from its time in wood. The bouquet evolves in the glass, revealing layers of complexity and aromatic finesse.

Palate

On the palate, it is balanced and consistent with the nose: Sangiovese provides freshness and good acidity, Sagrantino offers structure and tannins, while Merlot and Cabernet round out the sip. The finish is long and persistent, with an elegant close that invites another taste.

Food Pairings for Montefalco Rosso DOC 'Ziggurat' 2023 - Tenuta Castelbuono, Tenute Lunelli

Versatile and gastronomic, it lends itself to numerous pairings. Excellent throughout a meal, it best expresses its personality alongside:

• Savory traditional Umbrian pasta dishes, such as stringozzi with ragù or pappardelle with wild boar;
• Grilled red meats and roasts;
• Aged cheeses and typical cured meats.

Its balanced structure also makes it an ideal companion for rich and spicy Mediterranean dishes.

Storage and Aging: How to Store Montefalco Rosso DOC 'Ziggurat' 2023 - Tenuta Castelbuono, Tenute Lunelli

To preserve its qualities, Montefalco Rosso DOC "Ziggurat" should be stored in a cool place, away from light, at a constant temperature of around 14-16°C. The bottle should be kept horizontally so that the cork remains moist and ensures a perfect seal. Thanks to its structure and the correct balance between tannin and freshness, it can evolve for 5-8 years in the cellar, developing greater complexity and softness over time. A red that is already enjoyable today, but which will also offer pleasure in the future.