Luce Toscana

Tenuta Luce Luce della Vite 2021 Toscana IGT

Luce della Vite 2021 is Tenuta Luce's iconic flagship wine, born from the blend of Merlot and Sangiovese in the hills surrounding Montalcino. The project originated from the shared vision of the Frescobaldi family and Robert Mondavi to create a modern Tuscan wine that combines the power of Bordeaux grapes with the elegance of Sangiovese. What makes Luce della Vite 2021 so special? It is a powerful yet exceptionally refined Super Tuscan, aged for 24 months in barriques, with 15% alcohol and a structure designed for decades of aging.

Vineyards and region

Tenuta Luce is located southwest of Montalcino in Tuscany, where the vineyards overlook a mosaic of forests and hills rich in biodiversity. The grapes for the 2021 Luce vintage come from plots on slopes between approximately 350 and 420 meters in altitude, where poor, well-draining soils containing clay and rock result in low yields and concentrated grapes. The climate is sunny and warm, with pronounced temperature variations between day and night, especially in September 2021, when the harvest benefited from cool nights and perfect ripening conditions. The Merlot was harvested on September 7th, the Sangiovese on September 16th, after a growing season that included a mild, dry winter, a late cold snap in April, and two crucial rains in August that provided extra balance to the berries just in time.

Vinification and maturation

After the hand harvest, Merlot and Sangiovese are vinified separately. Fermentation takes place in concrete tanks at a temperature of up to 28°C, with a fermentation period of approximately 12 days and a skin maceration of 22 days, so that color, aroma, and ripe tannins are carefully extracted from the skins. The young wine then undergoes malolactic fermentation in barriques, which softens the acidity and makes the mouthfeel creamier. Luce 2021 is then aged for 24 months in French barriques, 80% of which are new and 20% are single-use, before the blend is assembled and bottled. With 15% alcohol, firm yet silky tannins, and high extraction, this is a wine that is already impressive but clearly made for long bottle aging.

Grape composition

Merlot – Tenuta Luce, hills around Montalcino
Merlot gives Luce 2021 its core of black fruit, volume and velvety tannins, with notes of blackberry and plum that give the wine its luxurious texture.

Sangiovese – Tenuta Luce, hills around Montalcino
Sangiovese provides structure, freshness and a distinctly Tuscan signature, with elegant acidity, floral nuances and a refined, spicy undertone.

Tasting notes and serving suggestions

Luce della Vite 2021 boasts a remarkably intense ruby-red color. Dark fruit notes emerge on the nose, particularly wild blackberry and mulberry, complemented by violets and other floral accents and smooth hints of mixed spices and fine wood. The wine's character and elegance are immediately apparent on the palate: a broad, full attack, impressively silky tannins, and a richly rounded mid-palate, culminating in a nearly endless, spicy finish. Serve Luce 2021 at 18 to 20°C and allow it ample time in a carafe. At the table, it pairs beautifully with dishes such as bistecca alla Fiorentina, slow-cooked leg of lamb, game dishes, truffle ravioli, or aged hard cheeses; its power and tension make it an ideal wine for elaborate dinners and special occasions.

Awards

• 2021 – 96 p (James Suckling)
• 2021 – 95 p (Wine Spectator)
• 2021 – 95 p (Decanter)
• 2021 – 93 p (Wine Advocate)
• 2021 – 93+ p (Vinous)