Monday, 2 May 2011

2011 05 02 - Duty Free


Luce - Luce was the first wine ever produced in Montalcino by blending Sangiovese and Merlot grapes.

Combining the roundness and suppleness of Merlot with the structure and elegance of Sangiovese seems an obvious idea, but it took progressive thinking of winemaker Lamberto Frescobaldi to do that in the land of the world renowned Brunello di Montalcino, a wine made strictly from 100% Sangiovese.

Tasting Notes - 2007 Vintage
A deep, almost opaque, ruby red greets the eye. The initial fragrances on the nose are clean-edged notes of dark fruit, such as wild blackberry and black cherry, which slowly make way for more pungent impressions of balsam and wild herbs. More evolved nuances of tanned leather and spice make for an impressive finale. The palate is notable for its magisterial structure, but at the same time for its warmth and velvety, rounded mouthfeel. Supple tannins and a supporting vibrant acidity contribute significantly to the wine’s overall impressive balance and harmony, perfectly completed by a lengthy, long-lingering finish subtly edged with ripe fruit.

Food Pairing Suggestions
Roast pork, but also wild game such as stewed hare or boar. Wonderful with aged pecorino cheese.

Castello di Nipozzano Estate
The Castello di Nipozzano, built in the year 1000 as a defensive fortress, became the center of communal life for the village of Nipozzano. Today the castle houses the wine cellar, where the estate red wines are produced and cask-aged. Castello di Nipozzano also serves as Frescobaldi’s hospitality center and as a site for its fine food and wine initiatives.

The estate lies in the heart of the Chianti Rufina area, covering 626 hectares at elevations between 250 and 400 metres. 240 hectares are planted with Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, and Petit Verdot. The estate's soil, rich in clay and limestone, plus the dry, well-ventilated weather together compose the ideal terroir for the production of wines that are elegant, well balanced, and full bodied with firm structures to age well for many years. Those qualities are amply demonstrated by Nipozzano Chianti Rufina Riserva DOCG and by the Montesodi and Mormoreto crus.

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