Winemaker Notes
The growing season saw rains in early spring, followed by a lengthy spell of good weather. A mild summer with scattered rains countered any threat of excessive dryness, while warm weather in the second half of August favoured the build-up of sugar levels in the fruit, which ripened early, showing excellent levels of tannins and aromatic compounds. Luce 2000, ruby red in color, has an extremely intense bouquet offering an array of fruit fragrances. Currants and wild strawberries weave into spicier aromas of liquorice and cloves enhanced by notes of tobacco. On the palate, the entry is soft and enticing, with an acidity that blends into the wine’s great structure and tannins. The fi nish is complex and persistent.
Professional Ratings
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Wine Enthusiast
This Frescobaldi/Mondavi joint venture got it right in 2000. The wine, a blend of 60% Merlot and 40% Sangiovese, is rich, forward and hedonistic, a cuvée made more for now than down the line. The nose is lovely, with floral aromas in front of baked berry pie. The palate is sweet and ripe, but balanced by spice and pepper notes.
The history of tenuta Luce starts in the early Nieneties when Vittorio Frescobaldi and Robert mondavi chose Montalcino, a land known for its vocation for viticulture, and decided to join their experiences and start a visionary project: to make a wine that would go beyond the borders of tradition, but without denying it. Right from the start, they were supported by their respective sons, Lamberto and Tim, both young oenologists.
The experience acquired since the Seventies with the vineyards of Merlot planted in these plots, and the knowledge of their expressive uniqueness proved to be essential. Luce, the wine from which it all began, was concieved as the harmonious meeting point between the elegance and the structure of Sangiovese, the local native varietal, and the roundness of Merlot.
Luce’s first harversts, in 1993 and 1994, were presented together in 1997, immediately stimulating curiosity and interest.
The project continued to grow, developing over the years: two acquisitions between 2001 and 2016, new vineyards, new challenges. In 2005, when the join venture with Mondavi ended, Lamberto Frescobaldi took the helm, directing the production.Other wines, over the years, joined Luce: in 1998 Lucente was presented, the second wine of Tenuta Luce. In 2003 Luce Brunello was born. Finally, with the 2015 harvest, Lux Vitis came to life.
At the core of Tenuta Luce's philosophy is the idea that wine should be the most natural expression of the lands where it is produced and the grapes from which it is obtained: the result of a perfect balance between grape variety and territory. Each human intervention takes place in a minimal and non-invasive form, with the main objective of protecting this harmony.
Legendary in Italy for its Renaissance art and striking landscape, Tuscany is also home to many of the country’s best red wines. Sangiovese reigns supreme here, as either the single varietal, or a dominant player, in almost all of Tuscany’s best.
A remarkable Chianti, named for its region of origin, will have a bright acidity, supple tannins and plenty of cherry fruit character. From the hills and valleys surrounding the medieval village of Montalcino, come the distinguished and age-worthy wines based on Brunello (Sangiovese). Earning global acclaim since the 1970s, the Tuscan Blends are composed solely of international grape varieties or a mix of international and Sangiovese. The wine called Vine Nobile di Montepulciano, composed of Prognolo Gentile (Sangiovese) and is recognized both for finesse and power.