Velenosi Ludi Offida Rosso DOC 2001

The Velenosi Ludi Offida Rosso DOC 2001 is a red wine of impressive maturity and complexity, which strikingly demonstrates the fine art of blending in the Italian wine-growing region of the Marche. The Velenosi winery, founded in 1984 by Angela and Ercole Velenosi and based in Ascoli Piceno, has created a true masterpiece with this wine. The Ludi is the iconic flagship wine of theestate, named after the Latin word ‘Ludus’, meaning play and joy – inspired by a painting by Matisse. The first vintage of this wine was bottled in 1998 and first released in 2001; since then, it has been regarded as one of the most significant red wines in the entire Marche region.

The Ludi cuvée is composedof 85% Montepulciano, 8% Cabernet Sauvignon and 7% Merlot. The grapes for this wine are hand-picked from vineyards in the municipalities of Offida and Castel di Lama, which thrive on clay-limestone soils at an altitude of 200 to 250 metres. The Offida region, which was only granted DOC status in 2001 and was upgraded to DOCG in 2011, is a comparatively young but extremely promising wine-growing region. The wine was aged for 18 months in new French barriques, followed by further ageing in the bottle, which gives the wine its distinctive structure and longevity.

In the glass, the 2001 vintage displays a dark ruby red colour with violet highlights. The bouquet is deep and complex: It reveals a lush bouquet of dark berries – blackberries, blackcurrants and black cherries – accompanied by delicate spicy notes of liquorice, thyme, rosemary and black pepper, as well as a mineral hint of graphite . Notes of violets, vanilla and a hint of cedarwood are also present. Some tasters also describe a typical ‘Old Sangiovese’ nose with aromas of stewed plums, raspberries, leather and eucalyptus.

On the palate, the 2001 Ludi reveals its powerful yet elegant character. The dark fruit aromas of blackberry, blueberry and plums are soft and round, paired with a lovely smoothness and full body. The tannins are finely woven, soft and well-integrated, whilst a supportive, just-sufficient freshness prevents the wine from becoming heavy. The finish is long, spicy and characterisedby a warm balsamic note. The quality of this vintage was also recognised by the trade press: The Parker team (Robert Parker Wine Advocate) highlighted that, compared to the subsequent 2002 vintage , the 2001 Ludi is the ‘superior’ wine, offering good structure with plum, cassis and mineral aromas.

Due to its structure and density, this wine has considerable ageing potential. The recommended drinking window extends from around 2006 to 2015, although community tastings show that the wine can remain in excellent condition even beyond this period. Served at a temperature of 16 to 18 °C, it unfolds its full spectrum of aromas and is an ideal accompaniment to hearty stews such as braised beef, roast wild boar or leg of venison, as well as mature hard cheeses. The Ludi Offida Rosso 2001 is an exceptional taste experience for lovers of complex, terroir-driven red wines who appreciate the maturity and finesse of a great Italian classic.