Luce is the result of a project launched in the early 1990s by two leaders in the history of wine, Vittorio Frescobaldi and Robert Mondavi. Their goal was to unite their traditions to offer the world a truly exceptional, utterly different wine, grown in the heart of Montalcino.

Their sons, Lamberto and Tim, at that time both young winemakers, were the ones who brought reality to their fathers’ vision by blending Sangiovese and Merlot.

Located southwest of Montalcino, Tenuta Luce della Vite comprises 192 hectares, 77 dedicated to vines. Some of the vineyards date back to 1977, but the majority was planted at the beginning of 1997 with an average density of 6,100 vines per hectare. The higher sections of the estate display galestro-rich, well-drained soils with little organic matter, ideal conditions for growing Sangiovese while, in the lower areas, the soil exhibits more clay and sand in which Merlot flourishes.

The long, dry, sun-filled summers characteristic of this area, plus the vineyards’ south-facing exposure, guarantee the grapes a gradual and consistent ripening which, in turn, yields wines of superb concentration and vigor.

Combining the roundedness and softness of Merlot with the structure and elegance of Sangiovese might seem a rather obvious idea. Yet it took the insight and collaboration of the Marchesi de’ Frescobaldi and Robert Mondavi families to launch the innovative Luce project in the land of the world-renowned Brunello di Montalcino, an area where the wines are made strictly from Sangiovese.

Fermentation and a four-week maceration take place in stainless steel. Malolactic fermentation and 24 months of maturation are carried out in oak barrels, 85% of which are new.