When Vittorio Frescobaldi met Robert Mondavi in the early 90s, a new chapter in the history of the great Tuscan wines was written. From that meeting, a wine came to life inspired by the desire to make a dream come true: to create a wine in Montalcino, a land of choice for the production of excellent wines, that went beyond the boundaries of tradition, while acknowledging and celebrating it, by treasuring the experiences of two historic families in the world of wine. This ambitious project took the name of Tenuta Luce, a name that evokes the sunlight of Montalcino, which is the source of life and nourishment, and marks the passage of the seasons and sets the pace for any and every agricultural activity. Since then, Tenuta Luce has always honoured this vision and the symbolic wine of the Tenuta, Luce, has been joined by other exclusive wines, capable of going beyond the boundaries of their territory and earning unanimous approval nationally and internationally.
Tenuta Luce’s vineyards are a true mosaic of different exposures, variety of soils and altitudes – ranging from 280 at 418 meters above sea level. The soils are schistose in the upper range, mixed-clayey in the lower one, rich in yellow sands and sandstones in the central belt. The altitude and southern exposure of the estate’s vineyards support a slow and complete ripening of the grapes producing wines of impressive structure and elegance. Cool, breezy nights help preserve the aromatic profile of Sangiovese and Merlot.
It took all the experience acquired over many years of careful and respectful observation of Nature to breathe life into Lux Vitis.
Everything began in a Cabernet Sauvignon vineyard planted in Montalcino in 2004 on mixed sandy soil. Over the years, the team observed these vines as they grew and were surprised by the exceptional quality of their grapes, so much so we decided to make an exclusive wine, capable of interpreting the Tenuta Luce terroir through Cabernet Sauvignon.
To the Cabernet Sauvignon grapes, they added a small quantity of Sangiovese to enrich the wine’s character. The long ageing in new French oak barrels for 24 months further enhanced the elegance of this new wine by Tenuta Luce. This was back in 2015, and they named this wine Lux Vitis.
A mild, dry winter ushered in the 2020 season, encouraging an early budbreak, starting in the second week of March for Sangiovese and in the third for Cabernet Sauvignon. Weather conditions remained mild in spring, with average rainfall, largely in March and May, ensuring ideal vine-growth through flowering, which occurred slightly early, in the last week in May.
Rain returned during the first three weeks of June, providing the vines providential support for the hot, dry summer through the end of August. Two periods of rain lowered temperatures, relieving the vines and spurring cluster development. The early start to the growing season was mirrored in the beginning of harvest, on a sunny, mild 24 September. At harvest, the grapes were healthy and sound, with outstanding phenolic ripeness and aromatic precursors.
Appearing an intense ruby red, Lux Vitis 2020 impresses with its stylish finesse and multi-layered complexity. After a brief aeration, it releases notes of redcurrant, well-ripened fruit, and sweet violets, lifted by a touch of cocoa powder. Full-bodied yet velvet-smooth on entry, the palate is beautifully supported by a refreshing acidity and elegant, enfolding tannins.
Pungent impressions of roast espresso bean and wild herbs grace a finish that seems near-ending.
Montalcino
95% Cabernet Sauvignon
5% Sangiovese
cork
14.5%
