Winemakers Notes
Luce, the essence of Tuscany Luce was born in the 1990s from the visionary partnership between Vittorio Frescobaldi and Robert Mondavi, uniting passion and expertise to craft an exceptional wine. Its name, a tribute to Tuscany’s radiant light, embodies the energy and harmony of its terroir. Nestled in the heart of Montalcino, Tenuta Luce spans 249 hectares, with 88 hectares of sun-drenched vineyards. Its ideal exposure, diverse soils, and constant breeze ensure the purity and balance of the fruit. Since 2005, Lamberto Frescobaldi has carried this legacy forward with unwavering dedication. In 2016, the estate unveiled a state-of-the-art underground winery, seamlessly integrated into the landscape, further elevating its pursuit of excellence. Lucente is the gateway into the world of Luce—a fruit-forward, approachable wine that beautifully combines Merlot and Sangiovese. The 2023 vintage In terms of weather, the winter of 2023 was relatively mild and dry, but marked by a beautiful snowfall at the end of January. Subsequently, the spring proved particularly variable, with high rainfall concentrated in the months of May and June. As a result, the vineyard required a high level of attention due to the rapid development of the plants. The summer, on the other hand, was hot, with temperature peaks in July and August, interrupted by frequent thunderstorms that mitigated potential water stress in the vineyards, allowing for a slow yet gradual ripening of the grapes. The harvest began on 1 September with the Merlot grapes, followed by the Sangiovese in the second week of September. The harvest conditions were ideal, with sunny days and cool nights that allowed the grapes to maintain a beautiful aromatic freshness and excellent polyphenolic ripening. Tasting notes With an intense ruby-red colour, Lucente 2023 opens with aromas of ripe blackberries and redcurrants, paired with delicate toasted notes. In the mouth, it is juicy, lively and elegant, with ripe and well-defined tannins that make it particularly pleasing and persistent.