Tenuta Castelbuono-Lunelli
Tenuta Castelbuono-Lunelli: A Journey Through Time, Architecture, and Exceptional Italian Wine
During Anteprima Sagrantino week in Umbria, I was pleased to visit Tenuta Castelbuono-Lunelli, a winery that combines centuries-old winemaking traditions with avant-garde architecture.
The Lunelli family, founders of Tenuta Castelbuono-Lunelli as well as the world-class Ferarri sparkling winery in Trento, have dedicated their lives to producing top-quality Italian wines.
During my visit, I saw the emphasis they place on the rare and remarkable Sagrantino.
Tenuta Castelbuono-Lunelli:: A Legacy of Passion and Dedication
The story of Tenuta Castelbuono began with the Lunelli family, who, with their profound knowledge and love for wine, sought to create a winery that would stand the test of time.
The Lunellis, known for their successful Ferrari sparkling wine venture, turned their attention to the Umbria region to explore the untapped potential of the Sagrantino grape.
With over a century of experience in the wine industry, the Lunelli family has cultivated a reputation for exceptional quality and relentless pursuit of perfection. Their dedication to producing world-class wines is reflected in every bottle that leaves the Tenuta Castelbuono estate, as they continue to honor their family’s legacy and remain at the forefront of Italian winemaking.
The Architecht: A Bold Vision
To showcase their passion for wine and art, the Lunellis commissioned renowned Italian architect Arnaldo Pomodoro to design the winery in Montefalco. Known for his striking and innovative sculptures, Pomodoro brought a unique vision to the project, creating a winery that is as much a work of art as it is a testament to the Lunellis’ commitment to their craft.
During my visit I learned that the project took much longer to create than originally scheduled, but the result is magnificent.
The Tenuta Castelbuono-Lunelli winery’s design, referred to as the “Carapace,” is a seamless fusion of organic shapes and modern materials, evoking the delicate balance between the natural environment and human innovation.
This architectural masterpiece not only serves as an iconic landmark within the Umbrian landscape but also functions as a symbol of the harmony between tradition and modernity that defines Tenuta Castelbuono’s approach to winemaking.
Sagrantino: A Rare and Exceptional Wine
Sagrantino is a distinctive and rare grape variety native to the Montefalco region in Umbria.
This robust, tannic grape has been cultivated for centuries, and it was the Lunellis’ admiration for this exceptional varietal that inspired their journey to establish Tenuta Castelbuono.
The winery’s focus on Sagrantino has led them to create truly remarkable expressions of this unique grape, capturing its essence and showcasing its potential on the world stage.
Tenuta Castelbuono’s dedication to the Sagrantino grape is evident in their meticulous approach to viticulture and winemaking. The estate’s vineyards are carefully tended to ensure optimal conditions for the growth and ripening of the grapes, while the winemaking process is conducted with precision and care.
The result is a range of Sagrantino wines that are as diverse as they are exceptional, each offering a unique reflection of the terroir and the Lunellis’ passion for this extraordinary varietal.
Sagrantino: The Tasting
One of the treats of “Sagrantino week” in Umbria is the opportunity to taste past vintages as well as the current vintage on offer.
Among the amazing Tenuto Castelbuono wines I experienced was the 2017 Sagrantino
Among the outstanding Sagrantino wines produced by Tenuta Castelbuono, the 2017 vintage is particularly noteworthy. This exceptional year yielded a wine that embodies the spirit of the estate and the Lunelli family’s dedication to their craft.
The 2017 Sagrantino is a wine that captures the heart of the Montefalco terroir and stands as a testament to the potential of the Sagrantino grape. It presents an alluring deep ruby color with hints of garnet, a prelude to the complex aromas and flavors that await. On the nose, the wine boasts a rich bouquet of ripe black fruits, such as blackberries and black cherries, interwoven with notes of tobacco, leather, and exotic spices.
As the wine opens up, hints of dried flowers and balsamic undertones add further depth and intrigue.
Upon tasting, the 2017 Sagrantino reveals a full-bodied, powerful palate with velvety tannins that provide structure and balance. The initial dark fruit flavors give way to more nuanced layers of dark chocolate, licorice, and earthy truffle. The wine’s exceptional acidity and remarkable concentration of flavors lead to a lingering, harmonious finish that leaves a lasting impression.
The 2017 Sagrantino is a wine that can be enjoyed in its youth (young even at six years of age), but its potential for aging cannot be understated. With time, the wine will continue to develop and evolve, offering an ever-changing sensory experience for those patient enough to allow it to mature. It is a wine that demands attention, a true reflection of the Lunelli family’s unwavering commitment to their craft and the Sagrantino grape.
Conclusion
Tenuta Castelbuono is more than just a winery. It is a living embodiment of a family’s passion, dedication, and vision. From the striking architecture of the Montefalco estate to the exceptional wines that bear its name, Tenuta Castelbuono represents a unique and inspiring marriage of tradition and modernity, of art and agriculture.
At the heart of it all is the rare and remarkable Sagrantino grape, a varietal that has found its true home within the estate’s vineyards and the capable hands of the Lunelli family.
