Luce is the wine that in 1993 first brought together Sangiovese and Merlot in Montalcino, born from the partnership between Vittorio Frescobaldi and Robert Mondavi; since 2005 the estate has belonged entirely to the Frescobaldi family. 2017 is the twenty-fifth vintage, and to mark it the bottle wears a celebratory label bearing a quote from Vittorio Frescobaldi about respect for the land and the people who work it. This bottle comes in a gift box.
The vineyards lie in the south-western part of Montalcino, at Castelgiocondo; Sangiovese brings structure and freshness, Merlot softness and roundness. The wine spends a long period in barrique before release.
2017, with a cool spring and a hot, sunny summer, gave a small but very high-quality crop. In the glass, near-opaque ruby, ripe red and black fruit, incense, sweet spice and cocoa, with elegant tannins. A collector's edition that also makes a fine gift. With red meat, game or aged cheeses.
At a glance: Sangiovese 50%, Merlot 50% · 14% ABV · 0.75 l · Tenuta Luce (Frescobaldi), Montalcino