2021 Tenuta di Biserno Lodovico

The 2021 Lodovico from Tenuta di Biserno belongs to the absolute top of the Tuscan coast and is considered the personal prestige project of Lodovico Antinori. This iconic wine is produced in only very limited quantities and represents the most ambitious expression of the estate. The 2021 vintage combines impressive concentration with refinement, precision, and exceptional aging potential.

Tenuta di Biserno Winery

Tenuta di Biserno was founded in 2001 by Lodovico Antinori, the visionary behind the success of Ornellaia and Masseto. After leaving Ornellaia, he started a new project on the Tuscan coast together with his brother Piero Antinori and cousin Niccolò Marzichi Lenzi. The estate is situated near Bibbona, just north of Bolgheri, on soils of clay, limestone, and alluvial deposits that are excellently suited for Bordeaux grape varieties.

Lodovico is the estate's absolute top cuvée. Only the best plots are selected for this wine, which is produced exclusively in exceptional years. More information about this winery can be found under the Winery tab.

An exclusive cult wine from Tuscany

Lodovico is one of Italy's most sought-after Super Tuscans. The wine is made from a selection of the best grapes sourced from vineyards on the border of Bolgheri and Bibbona, one of the most privileged locations on the Tuscan coast. The combination of limited production, the involvement of Lodovico Antinori, and the exceptional quality of the terroir has ensured that Lodovico now enjoys cult status among collectors worldwide.

The wine and blend

The 2021 Lodovico is composed of Cabernet Franc, Merlot, and Petit Verdot. Cabernet Franc plays the leading role, giving the wine its refined aromatic character, tension, and length. Merlot provides texture and depth, while Petit Verdot adds extra structure and spiciness.

Terroir and vintage 2021

The vineyards are situated at an altitude of approximately 90 meters near the Tuscan coast. The combination of sea breeze, warm days, and cool nights ensures a long growing season and optimal ripening of the grapes. The soils consist of a mix of clay, limestone, and alluvial deposits, giving the wine both power and elegance.

The 2021 vintage is widely regarded as one of the best recent years in Tuscany. The long ripening period yielded grapes with perfect phenolic ripeness, excellent concentration, and retention of freshness. This translates into a wine with tremendous depth and exceptional aging potential.

Vinification and aging

For Lodovico, only the best grapes are selected. After meticulous vinification, the wine ages for a long period in French oak barrels. This aging process imparts extra complexity and structure, while the fruit expression remains central. The result is a wine with impressive concentration and, at the same time, a remarkably refined tannin structure.

Color, smell and taste

Deep purple-black in color with an almost opaque core. The nose opens with intense aromas of black cherries, plums, blackberries, and cassis, followed by espresso, licorice, clove, and subtle notes of cinnamon and nutmeg. As the wine opens up further, Mediterranean herbs, orange leaf, sweet tobacco, and cedarwood emerge.

On the palate, the wine is full-bodied and impressively layered. The texture is rich and powerful, with a core of dark fruit supported by velvety yet firm tannins. The combination of black fruit, spices, espresso, liquorice, and tobacco creates immense complexity. Despite the concentration, the wine remains elegant thanks to its fresh acidity and refined structure. The finish is exceptionally long and is characterized by notes of sweet tobacco, dark chocolate, and Mediterranean herbs.

Summary of professional reviews

Monica Larner of The Wine Advocate awards the 2021 Lodovico 97 points and praises its impressive concentration, rich texture, and enormous aging potential. She highlights the combination of black fruit, sweet spices, and perfectly integrated tannins. Antonio Galloni calls the wine a refined and polished expression of Cabernet Franc with aromas of black cherries, plums, espresso, licorice, and clove. According to him, this terroir is one of the most exceptional locations for Bordeaux varieties in Italy. Aldo Fiordelli emphasizes the Mediterranean herbs, tobacco, elegance, and the long, fresh finish. The consensus among critics is that the 2021 Lodovico once again belongs to the absolute elite of the Tuscan coast.