Unveiling the Luce Brunello 2021
A Vintage of Balance and Precision Now Available Internationally
Tenuta Luce presents the exquisite Luce Brunello 2021, the latest vintage of its renowned Brunello di Montalcino, showcasing a wine crafted in tune with its origins through elegance and precision.
The grapes for this vintage hail from the estate's Madonnino vineyard, perched about 400 meters above sea level. This remarkable site offers optimal conditions shaped by its elevation, exposure, and soil, producing a Brunello that epitomizes both the terroir and the Sangiovese variety.
Alessandro Marini, Technical Director at Tenuta Luce, shares insights about the 2021 vintage: "This year yielded a wine that opens effortlessly, highlighting both the power and longevity typical of Sangiovese. Luce Brunello encapsulates the connection between our estate and Montalcino's terroir, showcasing our belief that wine should authentically represent its origins and the unique grape characteristics, reflecting a harmonious relationship between variety and terroir."
The Journey of the 2021 Vintage
The growing season for 2021 began with a cold winter, characterized by limited rainfall and enhanced by a brief snowfall in early February. A warm spring lifted temperatures slightly above the norm as early as March, leading to an even and timely budbreak for the Sangiovese vines.
During the summer, heat and dryness fostered consistent vine growth. To mitigate water loss, Marini explains that a protective layer was developed using mown cover crops as natural mulch. This strategy effectively preserved moisture in the vineyard.
September heralded ideal harvest conditions with bright days and cooler nights, significantly contributing to optimal phenolic ripening and enhancing the wine's aromatic depth. Marini recalls, "Harvest commenced on September 24, with grapes that were perfectly ripened and well-balanced, resulting in fruit of remarkable intensity and juiciness on the palate."
Crafting Luce Brunello 2021
The fermentation of the grapes occurred in concrete tanks over approximately ten days, with skin contact lasting around four weeks. This meticulous process ensured a balanced and refined extraction. The wine matured for a minimum of 24 months in Slavonian oak casks prior to being bottled.
Luce Brunello 2021 displays a stunning ruby-red color, complemented by an elegant and precise aromatic profile featuring nuances of red plum and fresh berries, accented by subtle hints of tobacco. The palate is characterized by a full-bodied, velvety texture with a fine balance that evolves into refreshing citrus and spice notes, all leading to a long, persistent finish. Marini succinctly summarizes the wine as "a Brunello that reflects the unique character of the 2021 vintage with sensitivity and discipline, affirming Tenuta Luce's commitment to terroir respect and elegance pursuit."
About Tenuta Luce
Tenuta Luce is nestled southwest of Montalcino, within the UNESCO-listed Val d'Orcia Natural Park, celebrated for its rich agricultural heritage and premium wines. The estate, surrounded by lush woods and olive groves, offers a serene environment that nurtures biodiversity. The unique geographical and climatic conditions of this locale come together to create an unrivaled terroir, where meticulous care is taken at every stage of the winemaking process to preserve the harmony achieved in the vineyard.
The resulting craftsmanship is embodied in the wines of Tenuta Luce, including Luce, Lucente, Luce Brunello, and Lux Vitis, each a testament to the ambitious vision established in the early 1990s aimed at fully expressing the Montalcino region while retaining a distinctive style.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes Luce Brunello 2021 unique?
Luce Brunello 2021 is distinguished by its balance, elegance, and vibrant flavor profile, which reflects the exceptional growing conditions of its vintage.
Where are the grapes for Luce Brunello sourced from?
The grapes are sourced from the Madonnino vineyard, renowned for its ideal growing conditions located at an elevation of about 400 meters.
Who is the Technical Director of Tenuta Luce?
Alessandro Marini serves as the Technical Director, overseeing the winemaking process and sharing insights about the unique characteristics of each vintage.
How long is Luce Brunello 2021 aged?
Luce Brunello 2021 is aged for a minimum of 24 months in Slavonian oak casks before bottling.
What wine varieties are produced at Tenuta Luce?
Tenuta Luce produces several remarkable wines, including Luce, Lucente, Luce Brunello, and Lux Vitis, each reflecting the estate's unique terroir and philosophy.