Tenuta Luce
Luce 2018
Toscana IGT
Luce is a singular and irresistible expression of Montalcino, a Super Tuscan with an exotic side, and above all full of pleasure. The spectacular estate’s diversity of soils, expositions and biodiversity of olive groves and forests come together in a wine as vibrant and exciting as the landscape.
From the beginning, Luce was a bold proposition. The iconic estate located in the hills of southwest Montalcino was originally identified as a great area by the Marchese Vittorio Frescobaldi in the 1960s, and later launched as the Luce partnership between the Marchese and California wine legend Robert Mondavi. The wine was first produced from an outstanding Sangiovese vineyard along with a surprising experimental planting of Merlot from the 1960s done by a French company based in Bordeaux. Combining the roundness and softness of Merlot with the structure and elegance of Sangiovese might seem an obvious idea today, especially after the last 20 years of Super Tuscan history, but this was a first in Montalcino. That blending approach is still followed today, and what is so attractive about the result is, in fact, the character of Montalcino that shines through: the dark fruit, power and structure, the complexity of floral and spice notes, the chewiness of the tannin.
The estate’s iconic name and packaging (Luce translates to “light” in Italian) was inspired by the altar at the Santo Spirito church in Florence – a landmark church built on land donated by the Frescobaldi family during the Renaissance.
Vineyard
The Luce estate covers 615 acres, 217 of which are planted with Sangiovese and Merlot. The estate is in the southwest of Montalcino, at one of the highest elevation points, and south/southwest facing; the freshness and structure that result play in tension with the deep, perfectly ripe fruit. Higher elevation planting have sandstone and limestone, and are ideal for Sangiovese. Clay in the lower altitude vineyards is perfect for the powerful expression of Merlot.
Winemaking
The Merlot and Sangiovese grapes are harvested and fermented separately in multiple harvests, with rigorous fruit selection during picking and meticulous hand sorting. Fermentation is spontaneous with no added yeasts. Blending takes place immediately after fermentation and maceration and prior to barrel aging.
Aging takes place exclusively in French oak in order to develop the wine’s potential and achieve a perfect balance of flavors while respecting and reflecting the characteristics of the vintage.
Vintage
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.
Tasting Note
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.
Color
Red
Grape Varieties
Merlot, Sangiovese
Appellation
Toscana IGT
Alcohol
15%
Reviews
"Firm yet refined"
Wine Spectator - June 16, 2021 "Well-marked by toasty, spicy new oak, this dense, dark red is saturated with black cherry, plum and iron flavors. Firm yet refined tannins lend support, as does bright acidity, with fine length." - B.S.
"Subtle and Strong"
James Suckling - November 10, 2021 "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 center palate of dark fruit and mushrooms. Subtle and strong." - J.S.
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Trade Materials
Other Wines by this Producer
Lucente
Lucente is the second wine of Luce, a wine with contemporary style, immediate and great pleasure, and like its elder sibling, an authentic interpretation of Montalcino and the Luce estate.
Brunello di Montalcino
Luce Brunello is the winery’s tribute to Montalcino and the wine that emerged there in the second half of the 19th century to become one of Italy's crowning jewels in wine production. It is produced in a very small quantity to showcase the unique character of a pure Sangiovese from the Luce estate vineyards and pay tribute to the winemaking tradition of Montalcino.