Lodovico 2020

A Super Tuscan rising star made by Lodovico Antinori, one of Italy’s most influential winemakers who gave birth to Masseto and Ornellaia.

Our founder Giovanni Mazzei had the privilege to visit the estate and taste the 2020 vintage recently. The attention to detail and pursuit of perfection from vineyard to winery is outstanding. The wine reflects both purity of the vintage and richness of the terroir, crafting an unmissable release this year. The wine is still very much under the radar but has already attracted its fair share of acclaims. Definitely one to watch!

Lodovico's Story

Lodovico Antinori, one of Italy’s most influential winemakers who gave birth to Masseto and Ornellaia, identified specific elements in the soil that immediately inspired him to plant Cabernet Franc, a major difference from Bolgheri. Helped by old friend and successful Bordeaux oenologist Michel Rolland, Lodovico has created a new Tuscan legend and named it after himself. The first vintage was produced in 2007. At the time, the vines were young and not every vintage had the capacity to express its full potential but, since 2015, Lodovico has been produced every year.

Vineyard & Winemaking

Tenuta di Biserno is located in the heart of the Bibbona hills, on the coastal area of the Upper Maremma, Tuscany, an area new to winemaking. Biserno borders the DOC of Bolgheri and is particularly well suited to grow Bordeaux grape varieties. The estate lies on a complex soil of silt and alluvial sand with a high percentage of clay, where Cabernet Franc thrives. The vines benefit from a microclimate with optimal sun exposure and are cooled down with sea breezes. Meticulous care takes place in the vineyard so minimal intervention is needed.

Lodovico is sourced from ‘Vigna Lodovico', a small plot of vines within the Bellaria area (south of which belongs to Ornellaia). Aged for 16 months in oak barrel (80% new), only 10,000 bottles are produced.

2020 - The Scores

Ruby colour, dense and compact with violet reflections, great brightness. Excellent nose cleaning, great stylistic precision with recalls of blueberries, notes of laurel, balsamic nuances of eucalyptus. Iodized closure that reminds the black olive. Dense on the palate, with a crunchy tannin perfectly incorporated with the fresh-salty component. Closes on notes of caper and pomegranate, great deepness and fantastic drinkability. – 99 points Luca Gardini