Tenuta Luce has introduced Luce 2022, commemorating the 30th anniversary of its first production in 1993. This vintage continues the winery’s tradition of blending heritage with innovation, establishing itself as a notable name in the wine industry.
Lamberto Frescobaldi, President of Marchesi Frescobaldi, expressed the significance of Luce, stating, “Luce represents far more to me than just a bottle of wine. It is an experience and a deeply personal journey.” He highlighted the opportunity Luce provides to explore new techniques in winemaking, emphasizing its importance both personally and professionally.
To mark this milestone, Tenuta Luce has collaborated with Christie’s Auction House to auction exclusive lots that illustrate the development of each vintage over the years. Tim Triptree, Master of Wine & International Director at Christie’s, participated in a vertical tasting of all 30 vintages alongside Frescobaldi and winemaker Alessandro Marini. They created The Anthology, a collection that details Luce’s evolution from its inception in 1993 to the present, including tasting notes for each vintage.
Triptree noted, “In September 2024 I was thrilled to be invited to participate in a 30-year vertical tasting of Luce, the flagship wine of Tenuta Luce in Montalcino, Tuscany.” He described the tasting as a valuable opportunity to observe the progression of the estate’s wines and highlighted the promising nature of the 2022 vintage, which demonstrated the quality and potential for aging.
Luce’s winemaking philosophy emphasizes the natural expression of its terroir, aiming to reflect the unique characteristics of its grape varieties with minimal intervention. The inaugural vintage was designed to balance the elegance of Sangiovese, Tuscany’s native grape, with the richness of Merlot. This vision is evident in Luce 2022, which is characterized by its structure and complexity, suggesting it will age well.
The growing season for 2022 began with a cold and dry winter, followed by a spring with limited rainfall and rising temperatures. These conditions facilitated an effective flowering period for the grape varieties. The summer remained hot and dry, but the vines thrived, reaching veraison in early August. Key rainfall events in late July and mid-August aided the ripening process.
Harvest commenced on August 28, yielding small, high-quality grape clusters. The timing of the harvest was slightly advanced to maintain the freshness and aromatic potential of the grapes. September’s cooler temperatures provided optimal conditions for the maturation of Sangiovese.
Luce 2022 showcases a brilliant ruby red hue, with aromas of red fruit such as currants and pomegranate, alongside floral notes. The palate is characterized by a fresh and vibrant profile, with smooth tannins leading to a lengthy, savory finish.