Lunelli Carapace Montefalco Sagrantino 2016
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Robert
Parker -
James
Suckling
Product Details
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Somm Note
Winemaker Notes
A deep, luminous ruby red in colour; concentrated and refined. The nose is a triumph of blackberry jam and blueberries–typical of the variety–with attractive and intense notes of cherries in brandy, carob and rose petals. Its traditionally-styled profile is further enhanced by liquorice and chocolate notes. This wine has a distinct creaminess on the palate, along with very powerful, mellow fruit. The finish is long and persistent, with precisely defined tannins of rare finesse, elegance and gentleness.
Professional Ratings
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
A terrific Umbrian red for a mixed platter of barbecued meats in autumn, the Tenute Lunelli 2016 Montefalco Sagrantino Tenuta Castelbuono Carapace opens to a thick, rich appearance and sits heavy in the glass with dark garnet hues. It delivers deep, dark, bold richness and an opulent full-bodied style, topped off with cinnamon clove and baker's chocolate. The tannins are softened, and the wine ends on a sweetly succulent note.
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James Suckling
Dense blackcurrants and berries on the nose, then a tight, concentrated palate with full body and very firm tannins. Powerful red. I like the clean fruit that endures the tannin onslaught. Try from 2023.
Other Vintages
2018-
Wine
Enthusiast -
James
Suckling
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Wine
Spectator
The winery is a realization of sculptor Arnaldo Pomodoro and the technical expertise of architect Giorgio Pedrotti. The huge dome covered with copper, marked with a pattern of grooves and cracks, is inspired by a carapace, a tortoise shell. An accompanying sculptural element in the shape of a red arrow (called the Lampante) piercing the earth highlights the structure in the surrounding landscape.
The Castelbuono property encompasses 30 hectares of vineyards in the areas of Bevagna and Montefalco. Since acquiring the property, the Lunellis have focused on converting the vineyards to organic agriculture.
A land-locked area in the heart of Italy, Umbria has a similar climate and geography to Tuscany, with cold, rainy winters and dry sun-filled summers. An exception is the area surrounding Lake Trasimeno and Lake Bolsena, where a mild, Mediterranean microclimate dominates.
Third generation Lunelli family - Marcello, Matteo, Camilla, and Alessandro - have poured their passion into Tenute Lunelli at the same level they do for Ferrari Trento DOC. The family is committed to increasing awareness for the outstanding wines of Umbria.
Italian Red Wine
While picturesque hillsides, endless coastlines and a favorable climate serve to unify the grape-growing culture of this country. The apparent never-ending world of indigenous grape varieties gives Italy an unexampled charm and allure for its red wines. From the steep inclines of the Alps to the sprawling, warm, coastal plains of the south, red grape varieties thrive throughout.
The kings of Italy, wines like Barolo and Barbaresco (made of Nebbiolo), and Chianti and Brunello di Montalcino (made of Sangiovese), as well as Amarone (mostly Corvina), play center stage for the most lauded, collected and cellar-worthy reds. Less popular but entirely deserving of as much praise are the wines made from Aglianico, Sagrantino and Nerello Mascalese.
For those accustomed to drinking New World reds, the south is the place to start. Grapes like Negroamaro or Primitvo from Puglia and Nero d’Avola from Sicily make soft, ammicable, full-bodied, fruit-dominant wines. Curious palates should be on the lookout for Cannonau (Grenache), Lagrein, Teroldego, Ruché, Freisa, Cesanese, Schiopettino, Rossese and Gaglioppo to name a few.