Tenuta Luce is the result of a bold idea to push the boundaries of tradition in the heart of Tuscany’s Brunello di Montalcino DOCG wine region. Thirty years ago, the legendary Frescobaldi family joined forces with Napa Valley icon Robert Mondavi and created the unexpected blend.
For the masterclass, Tim Triptree MW and international director of wines and spirits at Christie’s joined winemaker Alessandro Marini to talk us through four vintages: 2022, 2013, 2006 and 1995 - and Tenuta Luce’s different eras of winemaking.
Tenuta Luce winemaker Alessandro Marini
“At the core of Luce’s winemaking philosophy lies the belief that wine should be the most natural expression of the place where it is produced, capturing both the terroir and the distinctive characteristics of its grape varieties,” says Marini.
Triptree explains that Luce was conceived from the very first vintage as a harmony between the elegance and structure of Sangiovese and the roundness and richness of Merlot. This harmony has been carefully preserved through minimal and non-invasive human intervention.
“The vision is reaffirmed with the latest vintage Luce 2022.It is a wine whose structure and complexity make it ideal for long-term ageing, promising to evolve magically over time,” Triptree declares.
After an aperitif of Leonia Eternelle, a top-tier sparkling wine (made from the Pomino vineyard in the estate of the Frescobaldi family which now owns 100% of Tenuta Luce), we sit down to savour the four vintages reflecting different periods in the wine’s evolution.
Luce 2022
Each year, due to climate change, the harvest has been getting earlier and the most recent vintage 2022 was no exception, beginning at the end of August.
Aged in barriques for 24 months in 80% new oak, Luce 2022 (15% ABV) presents a brilliant ruby red colour, revealing fresh aromas of red fruit with delicate floral notes. There are smooth tannins which give a long, savoury finish. On the palate intense flavours of rich and ripe black fruits.
“It shows a great concentration and structure balanced by freshness, a fruity yet elegant wine suitable for drinking from 2028 to 2045,” comments Triptree.
Luce 2013
From 2013 onwards (Tenuta’s so called ‘recent period’) the vintages show a shift towards fruit-forward profiles with an elegant oak integration. Aged in barriques for 24 months with 85% new oak, the 2013 vintage (14% ABV) is deep garnet coloured with an acceptable hint of volatile acidity on the nose with dried fruits, smoke and tobacco. Full-bodied, it has a moderate persistence with flavours of sour cherry and plum.Triptree believes it is perfect for drinking from now to 2035.
Luce 2006
The earlier ‘middle era’ (the 2000s decade) emphasised ripeness and exuberance, explains Marini. The 2006 harvest (taking place in September for the Merlot and early in October for the Sangiovese) was very positive, in particular, for the high quality of the fruit. Aged in barriques for 24 months with 100% new oak – this is a higher 15% ABV. It is a deep garnet with ruby tints. The nose has hints of oxidation with dried fruits, leather and volatile acidity. There are mouth-coating tannins on the palate with flavours of dried fruits and Christmas cake spices.
“Surprisingly evolved – drink soon”, comments Triptree.
Luce 1995
The Luce 1995 (1993 and 1994 are regarded as ‘experimental years’) is a wine for drinking now, according to the Christie’s director. The harvest in September and October was a good one – eventual sun and warmth helped the gradual ripening process.
The wine was aged for 12 months in 66% new French oak barriques, followed by six months in Slavonian oak casks. With an ABV of 13.5%, it has garnet and red brick tints showing its age, with a fully mature nose with leather, tobacco, liquorice, dried fruits and smoke dominating the fruit aromas. It has a delightful rich fruit character on the palate with plum and sour cherry with hints of bitter chocolate.
Anthology: 30 years of Luce
Reflecting on the last 30 years, Triptree has helped produce a comprehensive anthology with a yearly journal of the climate conditions, harvest, viticulture techniques and tasting notes.
“These rich, vivid, full-on Montalcino wines rarely falter, they are a great combination of the generosity of Merlot’s plum and black fruit flavours with the vibrancy, refreshing acidity, firm tannic structure and cherry flavours of Sangiovese,” he concludes.
Lucente
As well as the flagship wine, with dinner we taste Lucente 2022 and 2016 from younger estate wine vines. This ‘second wine’ follows the same Sangiovese-Merlot philosophy but with less oak aging. Marini explains: “with Lucente, we wanted to produce more, but what matters most is to create something fresh and fruit-forward.” Lucente’s friendlier price tag makes it a great way to taste the estate’s unique style.
This year Christie’s is planning a special anniversary auction lot with wines, a vineyard visit and stay for up to six lucky guests at the Tenuta Luce estate
This year Christie’s is planning a special anniversary auction lot with wines, an exclusive dinner with overnight stay (for up to six lucky people) at the Tenuta Luce estate.
