Luce (2020)

About this wine

Luce 2020 presents a deep ruby red color and opens with aromas of ripe blackberries and mulberries, complemented by subtle notes of cocoa and sweet spices. On the palate, it is well-structured and lively, with balanced acidity and soft, silky tannins that lead to an elegant, persistent finish. This wine is a product of Tenuta Luce, an estate in Montalcino, Tuscany, known for pioneering the blend of Sangiovese and Merlot in the region. The 2020 vintage benefited from favorable weather conditions, resulting in grapes with excellent health and ripeness. The wine was aged exclusively in French oak barrels, enhancing its complexity and depth.

About the grape

In the 2020 Tenuta Luce Luce, Sangiovese and Merlot grapes are blended to create a distinctive wine. Sangiovese, a grape native to Tuscany, is known for its structure and elegance, while Merlot adds roundness and softness. This combination was pioneering in Montalcino, as blending these two varietals was a first in the region. The estate's vineyards are strategically planted: Sangiovese thrives in higher elevations with sandstone and limestone soils, and Merlot is cultivated in lower areas with clay-rich soils, each providing optimal conditions for the respective grape.

Quick facts

• 🍷 Luce 2020 is a pioneering Super Tuscan wine, blending Sangiovese and Merlot, a combination first introduced in Montalcino by Tenuta Luce.
• 💡 The name 'Luce' translates to 'light' in Italian, inspired by the altar at the Santo Spirito church in Florence, built on land donated by the Frescobaldi family during the Renaissance.
• 🏞️ The Luce estate spans 615 acres, with 217 acres dedicated to vineyards, situated in the southwest of Montalcino at one of the highest elevation points, providing optimal conditions for grape cultivation.
• 🌞 The 2020 vintage experienced a mild winter and a warm, dry summer, leading to an early harvest that produced grapes with excellent health and ripeness, contributing to the wine's vibrant acidity and soft, silky tannins.
• 🏆 Luce 2020 has received high praise from critics, including a 97-point rating from James Suckling, who highlighted its fresh fruit, serious structure, and brightness.

Palate profile

Producer

Tenuta Luce, located in Montalcino, Italy, was established in the early 1990s through a collaboration between Vittorio Frescobaldi and Robert Mondavi, aiming to create a wine that transcended traditional boundaries while honoring Tuscan heritage. The estate spans 249 hectares, with 88 hectares dedicated to vineyards, benefiting from diverse soils and elevations ideal for cultivating Sangiovese and Merlot grapes. In 2017, Tenuta Luce inaugurated a state-of-the-art underground winery, seamlessly integrated into the landscape, to enhance their winemaking process. The winery's name, 'Luce,' meaning 'light' in Italian, draws inspiration from the radiant sun depicted on the altar of Florence's Santo Spirito Church, a landmark associated with the Frescobaldi family. Today, Tenuta Luce continues to produce wines that reflect the unique terroir of Montalcino, combining tradition with innovation.