Luce Brunello di Montalcino 2016

Luce della Vite is a producer in Montalcino, Tuscany. Despite its position within the Brunello di Montalcino DOCG zone, the estate is best known for for its Luce wine, a combination of Sangiovese and Merlot that, on its debut in 1993, was one of the very first Super Tuscans from the region. The estate is located southwest of Montalcino town and has 77ha (190 acres) of estate vineyards in total. The Sangiovese is located in higher, well-drained soils, while the Merlot is planted in more clay-based, sandier soils. Parcels of the two varieties are vinified separately then blended before aging. Lucento is the second wine of Luce, sourced from the same vineyards. Luce della Vite also make a Brunello di Montalcino wine, which has garnered a lot of critical acclaim, including perfect 100-point ratings from James Suckling for the 2006 and 2010 vintages. It comes from a five-hectare (12.5-acre) portion of the estate, registered under the Brunello di Montalcino DOCG appellation. Luce della Vite was founded in the early 1990s as a collaboration between Robert Mondavi and Marchesi de' Frescobaldi. Ownership passed entirely to Lamberto Frescobaldi in 2002.