Deep ruby color; dark berries, sage, chocolate on the nose; cherry, roast tomato, redcurrant, plum, spice, chocolate on the palate.
Dry; dark fruits galore; medium-full body. Blend of 50% sangiovese and 50% merlot. That makes it a Super Tuscan; sangiovese alone or as the dominant grape from this region would make it a Chianti. Significant, chewy tannins—benefits from decanting. After decanting, becomes smoother, but there still is pucker power; 14% alcohol. Sangiovese seems to trump the merlot, save for the chocolate notes mid-palate.
Lucente is Luce’s second wine, sourced from the same vineyards as their leading bottling, Luce. Matured in oak barriques (55% new French oak), imparting oak that integrates with tannins, rich fruit flavors. Good acidity. Balanced and powerful. Not for the faint of palate, but will play very well with grilled rich red meats.
Luce della Vite was established in 1995 through a collaboration between Marchesi de’ Frescobaldi and Robert Mondavi with the intention of producing a world-class wine that expresses distinctive characteristic of the Montalcino region. This succeeds.
“Luce” is the Italian word for “light” and reflects the importance of light in the creation of wine, specifically the sunlight needed to mature grapes. The Luce label is inspired by a sunburst found at the Altare Maggiore, an altar in the Santo Spirito church in Florence. The church was created at the end of the 15th century by Filippo Brunelleschi, the architect of the Italian Renaissance, on land donated by the Frescobaldi family—forebears of the makers of this wine.
Tenuta Luce Della Vite Lucente Toscana Red Wine 2016 is powerful Super Tuscan with intensity and tannins that cry out for pairing with rich red meats. Pair with grilled red meats; pasta dishes, especially with tomato sauces; loaded cheese burgers; lamb; venison and other wild game. $25-28
Tenuta Luce Della Vite website
