{"product_id":"luce-della-vite-luce-2023-tuscany-italy-vm-93","title":"Tenuta Luce Toscana IGT 2023 (Tuscany, Italy) - [VM 93+] [DM 93]","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAbout the Winery:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eLocated in the hills of southwest Montalcino, the original site was identified for its quality by the Marchese Vittorio Frescobaldi in the 1960s, and later launched as partnership between the Marchese and California wine legend Robert Mondavi. Luce was the first winery in Montalcino to produce a wine blended from Merlot and Sangiovese, resulting in a decadent, luxurious expression of the two varieties. The brand’s iconic name and packaging (Luce translates to “light” in Italian) was inspired by the altar at Santo Spirito in Florence – a landmark church built on land donated by the Frescobaldi family during the Renaissance. The Frescobaldis took over full responsibility for the estate in 2004. The estate today consists of 615 acres of land, 217 of which are planted to vine – Sangiovese is planted in the higher elevation parcels (up to 1500 feet), which are rich in sandstone and limestone, while the lower altitude clay plots are better suited to Merlot. The Merlot is typically harvested mid-September, the Sangiovese three to four weeks later. The two varieties are blended together after fermentation and aged in 100% new French oak barrels.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAbout this Wine: \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eLuce is a singular and irresistible expression of Montalcino, a Super Tuscan with an exotic side, and above all full of pleasure. The spectacular estate’s diversity of soils, expositions and biodiversity of olive groves and forests come together in a wine as vibrant and exciting as the landscape.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Luce estate covers 615 acres, 217 of which are planted with Sangiovese and Merlot. The estate is in the southwest of Montalcino, at one of the highest elevation points, and south\/southwest facing; the freshness and structure that result play in tension with the deep, perfectly ripe fruit. Higher elevation planting have sandstone and limestone, and are ideal for Sangiovese. Clay in the lower altitude vineyards is perfect for the powerful expression of Merlot.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Merlot and Sangiovese grapes are harvested and fermented separately in multiple harvests, with rigorous fruit selection during picking and meticulous hand sorting. Fermentation is spontaneous with no added yeasts. Blending takes place immediately after fermentation and maceration and prior to barrel aging. Aging takes place exclusively in French oak in order to develop the wine’s potential and achieve a perfect balance of flavors while respecting and reflecting the characteristics of the vintage.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTasting Notes: \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIntense ruby red in color, Luce 2023 opens on the nose with notes of ripe red fruits, spices, and cedar. On the palate, it is rich, unctuous, and balanced in the mid-palate by a pleasant freshness. On the finish, the tannins are perfectly integrated into the structure of the wine, enhancing its refinement and elegance.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4 style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003eRatings \u0026amp; Reviews\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e93+ Points - Vinous Media:\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\"Dark and brooding, the 2023 Luce has a spicy bouquet of cedar spicebox, incense, lavender pastille and balsamic-tinged black cherries. Tactile minerals and sweet tannins offset polished textures and radiant red\/blue fruits. It finishes long, staining and structured, with a subtle citrus tinge that adds tension and a bump of residual acidity that maintains freshness and balance. The Luce is an equal-parts blend of Sangiovese and Merlot. (Drink between 2027-2038)\" - Eric Guido (Mar 2026)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e 93 Points - Decanter Magazine:\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\"Frescobaldi’s Merlot-meets-Sangiovese Super Tuscan, Luce has been fine-tuned over its 30-year-plus lifespan but its boldly fashioned soul is unwavering. The dense yet restrained nose suggests dark ripe fruit studded with nutmeg and clove, somewhat redolent of plum cake. As it opens, a seductive toastiness weaves through accents of rosemary and thyme. The palate gives a jolt of upfront vanilla and sweet spice carried by broad, velvety tannins. Concentrated acidity offsets the opulence. It finishes a bit rigid and dry, but a resounding sour cherry cocoa note appeases.\" - Michaela Morris (Feb 2026)\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"BREAKTHRU","offers":[{"title":"750 ml","offer_id":53374095294829,"sku":null,"price":109.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0481\/8940\/7391\/files\/0000314_luce_1980.png?v=1779932078","url":"https:\/\/artisan.wine\/products\/luce-della-vite-luce-2023-tuscany-italy-vm-93","provider":"Artisan W\u0026S","version":"1.0","type":"link"}