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. Of the 88 hectares of vineyards owned by the estate, 11 are registered in the “Albo del Brunello di Montalcino.”
This is where the Sangiovese for Luce Brunello is born – a tiny plot called ‘Madonnino’. This special vineyard has the ideal exposure and soil composition (galestro) to fully express the perfect combination of structure and elegance typical of Sangiovese.
After harvest, the grapes are vinified in cement with indigenous yeast for around 10 days. After a total 4 weeks of skin maceration, the wine is transferred in big Slavonian oak barrels where the Brunello will rest at least 24 months.
The 2020 growing season was characterized by a mild, dry winter, which encouraged an early budbreak beginning in the last week of March. Fine weather continued through spring, accompanied by some light rainfall in May that supported normal canopy development, leading up to flowering in early June. Rainfall between the second and third weeks of June proved crucial for the development and growth of the newly-formed berries, helping the vines withstand the summer, which turned out to be quite hot and dry until August. Towards the end of August, three timely rainstorms brought much-needed relief to the vines, preventing heat stress. Following a period of beneficial day-night temperature variations, the harvest began on September 23. The grapes were in perfect condition, fully ripe, and exceptionally healthy.
The Luce Brunello 2020 presents a radiant ruby-red hue, immediately captivating the eye. Its bouquet is both multifaceted and elegant, unfolding layers of red berry fruit intertwined with delicate notes of sweet violets and nuanced hints of smooth spices. On the palate, this wine is full-bodied and vibrant, showcasing a harmonious balance of crisp acidity and polished, ripe tannins. The finish is long and satisfying, with delightful impressions of citrus zest and subtle spiced undertones, creating a truly memorable experience. A wine of great complexity and finesse.
“Lustrous mid ruby. Concentrated pure cherry with notes of exotic spice and cardamom. Polished and juicy with a eucalyptus note on the finish. Very long. International polish and with plenty of acidity and crunchy tannins which will allow it to age gracefully.”
17+ Walter Speller, Jancis Robinson
“Beautifully perfumed aromas of violets, cedar and fresh raspberries with some strawberries, too. Full-bodied with firm, chewy tannins that add tension and focus, as well as a crunchy undertone. Needs three or four years to soften. Best after 2028.”
97 points James Suckling
“Sprawling out over the gentle hills of Montalcino’s southwestern quadrant, the aptly named Luce estate is bathed in Tuscany’s golden sunlight. The 2020 release captures every joyful ray. Vanilla and sweet wood spice infuse red cherry compote, with fragrant Mediterranean forest imparting evocative nuance. The palate is packed to the brim with generous plum and equally matched by concentrated, mouthwatering acidity. Ripe, mature tannins girdle this weighty Brunello snuggly, and tangy tangerine freshens the finish. Since 2016, ageing has been exclusively in lightly toasted Slavonian oak casks, ranging in size from 26 to 52 hectolitres.”
93 points Decanter
“The 2020 Brunello di Montalcino Luce features an inviting bouquet that mixes white smoke and stone dust with dried black cherries, cedar shavings and hints of worn leather. Juicy and fresh, it ows across the palate with vividly pure red and blue fruits further enhanced by a core of brisk acidity. It leaves notes of savory herbs, sour citrus and edgy tannins that pinch with youthful tension.”
91 points Vinous
100% Sangiovese
cork
15%
6,67
