Luce

Luce was the first wine that is ever produced in Montalcino by blending Sangiovese and Merlot grapes. Since Sangiovese and Merlot are both native grapes in the Tuscany region of Italy, it is common sense that combining the two grapes would produce a very flavorful Tuscan wine.

Tuscan wine

The Luce wine combines the roundness and suppleness of the Merlot wine grape with the firm structure and elegant aroma of Sangiovese. While combining the two grapes seems like an obvious idea in today’s era, it was not actually done in Tuscany until the progressive thinking of renowned winemaker Lamberto Frescobaldi transformed the world-famous Brunello di Montalcino wine, a wine made strictly from 100% Sangiovese, into a combo wine that features not only Sangiovese but also Merlot.

Tasting Notes

Upon closer inspection of the wine after being poured on a crystal-clear glass, a deep and almost opaque red color that has almost the same shade as a ruby greets the eye. The initial fragrances that the nose will catch at first are clean-edged notes of dark fruits, such as wild blackberry and black cherry, and these fragrances slowly make way for more pungent impressions of wild herbs and balsam. More evolved nuances of tanned leather and spice can also be spotted on its fragrance, thus making it have an impressive finale. The palate of the wine is notable for its magisterial structure, but at the same time for its warmth and velvety as well, which gives it a well-rounded mouthfeel. Supple tannins and a supporting vibrant acidity are contributing significantly to the wine’s overall impressive balance and harmony. Then, it is perfectly completed by a lengthy and long-lingering finish that is subtly edged with ripe fruit.

vineyard in Italy

Food Pairing Suggestions

The famous Luce wine is compatible for pairing with roast pork, but it also suitable for wild game such as stewed hare or boar. In addition, Luce is wonderful with aged pecorino cheese. To know more about the best wine and food pairings, you can check out our wine pairing guide for recipes by clicking here.

Ratings & Reviews

2006 Vintage

  • 94 points – Wine Spectator, October 15, 2009

2005 Vintage

  • 93 points – Wine Spectator, October 15, 2008
  • 87 points – Wine Advocate #177, June 2008

2004 Vintage

  • 91 points – Wine Spectator, October 15, 2007
  • 90 points – Wine & Spirits
  • 86 points – Wine Advocate #177, June 2008

2003 Vintage

  • 92 points – Wine Spectator, October 31, 2006
  • 92 points / Cellar Selection – Wine Enthusiast, May 1, 2007
  • 88 points – Wine Advocate #171, June 2007

2002 Vintage

  • 87 points – Wine Spectator, October 31, 2005

2001 Vintage

  • 92 points – Wine Spectator, October 31, 2004
  • 92 points – Wine Enthusiast Magazine, September 1, 2006
  • 93 points – Wine Advocate #164, April 2006

2000 Vintage

  • 92 points – Wine Enthusiast Magazine, October 1, 2004
  • 91 points – Wine Spectator, October 15, 2003
  • 89 points – Wine Advocate #147, June 2003

1999 Vintage

  • 93 points – Wine Spectator, October 31, 2002
  • 90 points – Wine Enthusiast Magazine, September 1, 2002

Luce is a fine wine that can satisfy any palate and any wine enthusiasts because of its sophisticated flavor and aroma. While it is typically an inexpensive wine compared to some of its rivals in Tuscany, the Luce is ahead to some of them in terms of popularity.