Luce was the first wine created in Montalcino by blending Sangiovese and Merlot. Combining the roundedness and softness of Merlot with the structure and elegance of Sangiovese might seem a rather obvious idea, and yet it took the insight and collaboration of the Marchesi de’ Frescobaldi and Robert Mondavi Families to launch this innovative project in the land of the world renown Brunello di Montalcino, a wine made strictly from Sangiovese. In 2002 the responsibility passed entirely to Lamberto Frescobaldi, who continues to this day to write the history of Luce in the land of the world renown Brunello di Montalcino, joining the tradition of Sangiovese, so historic to this area, with the innovation represented by Merlot, introduced into Montalcino only in 1976.

Wine maker notes

The balance sheet is strikingly positive, particularly regarding the outstanding quality level of the fruit harvested. Spring 2009, as was the case in previous years, brought endless rainstorms, which severely tested the vineyard staff as they labored to balance vine growth and control pests, but the rain at the same time built up groundwater reserves. June and July, however, brought light levels of rain, which reversed the slowdown in vine growth and brought forward the ripening stage. The vines were thus able to perform at their best, and the grapes ripened slightly early compared to the previous years. September’s cool nights and warm, sunny days ensured that this demanding grape variety ripened perfectly and yielded wines of remarkable quality. Favourable growing conditions made it possible to bring into the cellars optimally-ripened grapes with good acid levels and complex aromatics The colour is a very concentrated ruby red. The bouquet releases enticing aromas of fruit such as blueberry, cherry, and plum, giving way to spicer impressions of green pepper, nutmeg, liquorice, and anise. The conclusion offers a hint of balsam and fresh almond together with sweeter notes of milk chocolate and cedar. On the palate the wine is full and flavourful with dense, silky tannins well supported by the alcoholic component. The finish is persistent and extremely harmonious.

Producer

Lamberto Frescobaldi, distinguished for his passion for wine and his talented hand as a winemaker, today has the responsibility of shaping the future of the wine project originally undertaken by the founders of the Luce della Vite estate. His primary mission is the upgrading of the estate’s vineyards and the improvement of the winemaking facilities, plus research projects focusing on numerous experimental vineyards. No one was better equipped than he to bring new energy to the project that was launched in 1995, fruit of the dreams and determination of two leading figures in 20th century winemaking, Lamberto’s father Vittorio Frescobaldi and Robert Mondavi. Today the wine estate is part of the Tenute di Toscana holding company, which in turn is controlled by Marchesi de’ Frescobaldi.