Frescobaldi - Tenuta Luce della Vite : Luce 2016

The signature of Frescobaldi in a dense and harmonious great wine from Tuscany

The estate

A great Florentine family dedicated to the production of Tuscan wines, the Frescobaldis have been established on this historical territory for over 1000 years. Their influence considerably increased during the Florentine Republic, while the city’s banking industry was developing. Notably, the family took part in large-scale infrastructure projects of the time, such as the Ponte Santa Trinita and the Basilica di Santo Spirito. Located in the Montalcino region, south-west of the medieval town, Tenuta Luce Della Vite, one of the Frescobaldi family’s estates, produces crus which rank among the greatest Tuscan and Italian wines.

The vineyard

The estate covers 192 hectares, of which 55 are planted with vines, and with an average density of 6100 vines per hectare. With an altitude between 350 and 420 hectares above sea level, Tenuta Luce Della Vite holds one of the region’s highest vineyards. The soils are rich in pebbles and sediment but poorer in organic materials, with a beautiful south-facing exposure that brings together the perfect conditions to produce great Sangiovese wines through a slow ripening process. The Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon are planted on the lowest part of the vineyard, on clay soils.

The vintage

The 2016 vintage opened with levels of rainfall that were normal for the season. Rain was abundant in spring and spread out well over the region. Summer was hot, but not overly so. Showers rehydrated the vineyard in August. The weather was sunny during the harvests, and the temperature contrasts between days and nights offered a sublime concentration of aromas.

Winemaking and ageing

After the harvests, which took place at the end of September, the grapes fermented for 12 days in thermoregulated stainless steel tanks at 28°C. Grapeskin maceration takes place over 4 weeks so as to fully develop the aromatic expression of the cru. Then, the wine is aged for 24 months in Slovenian oak barrels. Bottling took place in July 2020.

Blend

Luce Brunello 2016 is a 100% Sangiovese wine.

Tasting

Colour

The wine is a deep red colour.

Nose

The aromatic bouquet reveals the elegance and complexity through its aromas of cherry liqueur, violet and tobacco, as well as black olives.

Palate

Luce Brunello 2016 is a dense and creamy wine. The radiant acidity wonderfully harmonises with well-rounded and structured tannins, offering a delightfully persistent finish.