2022 Lucedilago Antica Cantina Leonardi

Our visit to Antica Cantina Leonardi in 2023, in the gentle hills outside Viterbo, offered a deep sense of connection with one of Lazio’s most authentic winemaking landscapes. The estate lies near Montefiascone, overlooking the volcanic basin that cradles Lake Bolsena—a setting of tranquil beauty where vine and nature coexist in quiet harmony. The Leonardi family, guardians of a long local tradition, continue to craft wines that speak eloquently of this territory’s mineral soils and temperate lake breezes.

The 2022 Lucedilago is made entirely from Roscetto, a rare and ancient white grape indigenous to Lazio, sometimes referred to as Trebbiano Giallo di Montefiascone. Long overlooked, Roscetto has regained attention for its distinctive character, aromatic depth, and ability to balance richness with freshness. It ripens late, developing thick skins that contribute to texture and body while retaining a lively acidity that preserves the wine’s vibrancy.

In the glass, Lucedilago 2022 gleams with a pale straw-yellow color and light golden hues. The bouquet unfolds delicately, offering notes of pear, wildflowers, and chamomile, followed by nuances of citrus zest, almond, and flint—a clear echo of its volcanic origin. On the palate, the wine is fresh, rounded, and finely structured, revealing layers of white peach, lemon balm, and a subtle saline edge. Its texture is supple but persistent, finishing with a long, mineral-driven aftertaste that reflects both the grape’s complexity and the terroir’s purity.

Tasting it in the Leonardi cellar during our 2023 visit, with the shimmer of Lago di Bolsena visible through the doorway, was a moment that perfectly captured the spirit of the wine—bright yet tranquil, refined yet natural. The name Lucedilago, “light of the lake,” feels entirely fitting: this is a wine that seems to contain that very light within it.

Serving suggestions: Enjoy at 10–12°C with lake fish, seafood pastas, or grilled vegetables. Its gentle richness also pairs beautifully with soft cheeses and delicate poultry dishes.

Overall impression:

The 2022 Lucedilago is a graceful, terroir-driven expression of Roscetto, showcasing how this rediscovered Lazio variety can produce wines of both elegance and personality. Balanced, luminous, and mineral, it stands as a testament to the Leonardi family’s dedication to preserving the authentic soul of the Viterbo hills and their volcanic legacy. Pm 87