Tenuta Luce
Luce 2023
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.
WINE
Luce is a bold, Super Tuscan wine that blends the power of Sangiovese with the roundness of Merlot, creating a unique expression of Montalcino. Born from a partnership between the Marchese Vittorio Frescobaldi and Robert Mondavi, the wine combines dark fruit, floral and spice notes, and chewy tannins, showcasing the region’s distinctive character. The estate’s name, “Luce” (light), is inspired by the altar at Florence’s Santo Spirito church, reflecting the estate’s deep-rooted history and the balance between tradition and innovation.
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 2023 Tuscan growing season was turbulent, beginning with a mild winter and spring before heavy rains and an April frost disrupted early growth. Persistent spring rains led to widespread downy mildew, reducing yields. A scorching heatwave in July and August halted mildew spread but caused further stress. A severe hailstorm on August 15 damaged vineyards, compounding the challenges. Production was down by about 20%, but the wines still retained good concentration and balance.
TASTING NOTE
Ripe black fruits, particularly blackberry and mulberry, joined by hints of cocoa and sweet spices. On the palate it is harmonious and lively, with excellent structure, balanced by vibrant acidity and soft, silky tannins.
FOOD PAIRING
Premium red meats, game, and aged cheeses
Color
Red
Blend %
100% Italian Red Blend
Appellation
Toscana IGT
Alcohol
14%
Suggested Retail Price
$145
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.
