“Luce 30° Vendemmia” Toscana IGT 2022

Tenuta Luce | Tuscany
Luce della Vite s.a. a r.l. | Loc. Castelgiocondo | IT 53024 Montalcino

09222222 · 0,75 l · 132,00 €/lavailable immediately

Vittorio Frescobaldi and Robert Mondavi shake hands in 1993. Two worlds, one idea: to create a wine that combines the best of Montalcino – the structure and elegance of Sangiovese – with the rounded depth of Merlot. A combination that had never before been seen in this region. Luce became the first Super Tuscan made from a Sangiovese-Merlot blend from Montalcino. Thirty years later, the 2022 vintage is released as 30° Vendemmia – the thirtieth harvest of a wine that pioneered a new era. The estate is situated in the south-west of Montalcino, in the heart of the Val d'Orcia, which was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2004. The estate covers 249 hectares, 88 of which are planted, at altitudes ranging from 280 to 418 metres, with a south to south-west aspect. The soil follows its own logic: slate and sandstone at higher altitudes, perfect for Sangiovese; clay layers deeper down, which give Merlot the power and suppleness it needs.

2022 was a vintage of precision. A cold, dry winter meant that budbreak began a little later than usual. Spring brought rising temperatures and very little rain, and flowering took place in the last week of May under ideal conditions. The summer was hot and dry, with welcome rainfall from late July to mid-August. The Merlot was harvested from 28 August, followed by the Sangiovese in the last week of September, accompanied by sunny days and significant temperature fluctuations. Maturation in French barriques, both new and used, characterises the estate's modern, elegant style.

Bright ruby red. On the nose, crisp red berry fruit, redcurrant and pomegranate, accompanied by delicate floral aromas and a subtle spicy depth. On the palate, it is juicy, underpinned by concentrated fruit and firm tannins. A wine that is already a delight to drink and will continue to develop its potential over the years. Thirty vintages – one conviction. SUPERIORE.DE

"Appears densely woven in the glass, with dark fruit notes and an appealing concentration. Juicy and fruity on the palate, with age-appropriate, astringent, still somewhat rough tannins, it opens up more and more with exposure to air, revealing notes of dark chocolate and a hint of nougat. Very long finish." Vinum

"A deep, dark ruby colour. Plenty of prominent berry fruit – blueberry and cassis – but also a hint of black cherry, accompanied by subtle spice. Juicy on the palate, with concentrated fruit in the mid-palate, it opens up with firm tannins and is slightly drying on final." Falstaff

"This red wine, which is distinctly influenced by new oak, captivates with aromas and flavours of cherry, plum, iron, vanilla, sweet bourbon and resin. It is smooth and elegant, with robust tannins that underpin the crisp, long-lasting finish." Wine Spectator

"The Luce 2022 unfolds a bouquet reminiscent of a spice jar, in which nuances of incense mingle with pine resin, lavender and wild blueberries with a balsamic hint. It is elegant and cool, with velvety textures and polished waves of ripe red and black fruit, all underscored by sweet tannins on the finish. The finish is impressively long, leaving an intense concentration on the palate whilst hints of citrus and cloves linger. This haunting dark Luce possesses a delightful inner harmony and a rich structure, making it ideal for cellaring." Vinous

"The Merlot lends a velvety texture, whilst the Sangiovese adds vigour and energy, thus blending the aromas of plum, blackberry and sweet spices into a harmonious whole." Wine Advocate

"A dark and complex wine with aromas of blackberries, graphite and minerals. It is full-bodied and characterised by tremendous extract and a smooth concentration of fruit. Powerful tannins with a firm but pleasant finish." James Suckling