When Vittorio Frescobaldi met Robert Mondavi in the early 90s, a new chapter in the history of the great Tuscan wines was written. From that meeting, a wine came to life inspired by the desire to make a dream come true: to create a wine in Montalcino, a land of choice for the production of excellent wines, that went beyond the boundaries of tradition, while acknowledging and celebrating it, by treasuring the experiences of two historic families in the world of wine. This ambitious project took the name of Tenuta Luce, a name that evokes the sunlight of Montalcino, which is the source of life and nourishment, and marks the passage of the seasons and sets the pace for any and every agricultural activity. Since then, Tenuta Luce has always honoured this vision and the symbolic wine of the Tenuta, Luce, has been joined by other exclusive wines, capable of going beyond the boundaries of their territory and earning unanimous approval nationally and internationally.
Tenuta Luce’s vineyards are a true mosaic of different exposures, variety of soils and altitudes – ranging from 280 at 418 meters above sea level. The soils are schistose in the upper range, mixed-clayey in the lower one, rich in yellow sands and sandstones in the central belt. The altitude and southern exposure of the estate’s vineyards support a slow and complete ripening of the grapes producing wines of impressive structure and elegance. Cool, breezy nights help preserve the aromatic profile of Sangiovese and Merlot.
The grapes are harvested parcel by parcel to ensure the perfect ripeness is achieved. The selection of the grapes is followed by the fermentation process with indigenous yeasts and the soft pressing. Special cement, tulip-shaped, vats are used for the fermentation. The wine is then aged in French oak barriques for 2 years, 80% of which are new and 20% one year old.
The early rains in 2018 replenished the water reserves that were under duress in 2017. This allowed the grapevines a swift and uniform budding phase, which was further supported by the mild spring temperatures. Summer was characterised by a dry climate without excessive temperatures; ideal conditions to maintain an excellent vegetative-productive balance and to ensure the perfect growth of the grapes. In September, the northern winds and sunny days greatly contributed to completing the ripening process of the grapes in the best possible way.
Luce 2018 has a dark ruby red color. The nose is a prelude of aromas of black fruits, blackberries and violets, with marzipan and black pepper that further enrich the bouquet. In the mouth, the wine is soft and voluminous, balanced by a solid tannic structure, before closing with a persistent crisp finish.
“Very focused and classy on the nose with blackberries, currants, mushrooms and dark bark. It’s full-bodied with a tight palate of chewy tannins that give structure and form to the wine. Beautiful centre palate of dark fruit and mushrooms. Subtle and strong. Give this at least three or four years to resolve itself. Best after 2024.” – 97 points, James Suckling
“Rich spicy depths of blackberry fruit are accented by freshly cut herbs both dried and fresh. This is pointed and precise in its finely cut tannins and liquorice. Pretty
closed right now, ripped but poised to expand its flavours and aromatics over the next few years. 80% new oak.” – 94 points, Decanter
Montalcino, Italy
50% Sangiovese
50% Merlot
cork
15%
