The crown jewel of Lodola Nuova

A quality wine becomes a truly great wine when it is able to convey the territorial characteristics of the tradition to which they belong and transform these characteristics in the quality features which are appreciated by the modern wine consumer.

But not only, the mark of a truly great wine lies in its strong nature and its bond to history - in its ability to convey the traditions of its territory to those who taste it. A great wine is a unique expression of the values which form the soul of a grape valiety, a people, a territory.

Lodola Nuova Vino Nobile di Montepulciano Riserva is a truly great wine.

Lodola Nuova Riserva was produced for the first time in 1999.

This wine is the symbol of Ruffino's dedication to the further development of Tuscany's greatest DOCG's - a dedication which is here expressed through respect for the tradition which has written the history of this territory, reinterpreted with the use of the most modern winemaking technologies.

The vineyards located on the slopes of the hills around the cellar of Lodola Nuova are planted with selected clones of Prugnolo gentile at a density of 5500 vines per hectare. They are the pride of the estate and the result of many years of research. They also represent Ruffino's efforts in producing a Vino Nobile di Montepulciano of exceptional quality - a worthy representative of the wine which in the 5th century was described as: "most perfect, both in taste and in perfume, with pulp, not too dry, nor too coloured" by Sante Lancerio, pope Paolo III Farnese's personal cellar master.

There is a good reason why more than 10 years have passed between the purchase of the Lodola Nuova Estate and the production of the estate's first Vino Nobile di Montepulciano Riserva.

Ruffino takes its commitment to develop the grand traditions of this territory very seriously. Only recently, after more than 10 years of studying, and from the best estate vineyards, the winery decided to produce a Riserva that was a true representative of the estate's quality potential.

At Lodola Nuova, vineyard management is orientated towards obtaining a very low grape yield, only about 1 kilo of grapes per vine.

Harvest is manual and the grapes undergo a triple selection, first in the vineyards, then cluster per cluster on a vibrating selection table before the destemming, and finally berry per berry on a rotating table before the crushing.

This scrupulous attention to every detail of the production process, both in the vineyards and in the cellars, is the key element to understanding this Riserva's complex personality. This wine features an austere, yet velvety structure, and its fruity profile is intense and elegant.

• 2 glasses - Gambero Rosso Vini d'Italia 2010 (Italia)

• 16,5/20 - 4 bottles - L'Espresso 2010 (Italia)

• 4 bunches - Duemilavini AIS 2010 (Italia)

• 16/20 - Vinum (Switzerland)

LODOLA NUOVA VINO NOBILE DI MONTEPULCIANO RISERVA DOCG 2004

• 90/100 - Wine Enthusiast

LODOLA NUOVA VINO NOBILE DI MONTEPULCIANO RISERVA DOCG 2003

• 91/100 - "[among] the best wines from appellation" - Wine Spectator
• 2 bicchieri (2 glasses) - Wine Guide Gambero Rosso "Vini d'Italia 2008"
• 89/100 - Weinwelt

LODOLA NUOVA VINO NOBILE DI MONTEPULCIANO RISERVA DOCG 2001

• 2 bicchieri rossi "2 red glasses" - Wine Guide Gambero Rosso "Vini d'Italia" 2004

• Super 3 Stelle "3 super stars"- Wine Guide "I Vini di Veronelli 2006"  

• 92/100 - Wine & Spirits Magazine

• 5 grappoli - Italian Sommelier Association guide "Duemilavini 2006"

• 89/100 - The Wine Advocate

• Silver Medal - German Wine Contest "Mundus Vini" 2005

• Bronze Medal - Decanter World Wine Awards 2006

• Seal of Approval - International Wine Challenge 2006
• 89/100 - Haaretz

LODOLA NUOVA VINO NOBILE DI MONTEPULCIANO RISERVA DOCG 2000

• Gold medal - Japan Wine Challenge 2004
• Commended - International Wine and Spirits Competition 2004 
• 5 Grappoli  "5 bunches" - Italian Sommelier Association Guide "Duemilavini 2005"
• Silver Medal - Swiss Wine Contest Monde Selection 2005
• 89/100 - The Wine Advocate

LODOLA NUOVA VINO NOBILE DI MONTEPULCIANO RISERVA DOCG 1999

• 90/100 - Wine Spectator

• Medaille d'or - Challenge International du Vin 2003

Vintage                         Stars                             Ageing Potential

1999                              *****                             Hold

2000                              ****                              Hold

2001                              *****                             Hold

Guinny faul with truffles

T-bone steak

Pappardelle with hare ragout

Mushroom soup

Seasoned cheeses