2007 Luce della Vite Lucente

Luce della Vite is a joint project founded by Marchesi dè Frescobaldi and the Mondavi Family. The Frescobaldis run the operation now, but the Mondavis remain financial partners in the operation.

As is often so interesting with Old World wines, the Frescobaldi family has been a political and business force for some 800 years in the Florence area. They got involved in the wine industry in 1308, and in later years were trading wine for paintings with Michelangelo and supplying Henry VIII with good Italian vino. The style of wine was perhaps a bit different then, but it's always incredible to have such historical connections swirling around in your glass.

My own family history gets fuzzy around the time of the American Revolution, but by that point the Frescobaldis were already sitting on over 400 years of dusty written records and ledgers.

2007 Luce della Vite Lucente
Montalcino, Tuscany
50% Merlot, 35% Sangiovese, 15% Cabernet Sauvignon
$20, 14.5% abv.

Lucente means "shining", although this is a deep and dark wine. Blackberry and stewed fruit aroma. Bold, medium tannins, flavors of black tea, black cherry, and plum. When it comes to a Super Tuscan, I tend to go for Americanized comfort food. Some big and beefy lasagna, or baked ziti, or in this case, pepperoni pizza.


Note: These wines were received as samples.