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Kevin's comments: A blend of Sangiovese, Cabernet and Merlot together with 12 months maturation in French oak has resulted in a lovely, complex and intense wine with supple tannins. Sweet ripe fruit with complementing vanilla oak made in an international style.
Chateau Tasting Notes
LUCENTE IGT TOSCANA
ROBERT MONDAVI & FRESCOBALDI
The partnership between Italy's and California's leading and most respected wine companies was formed in 1995. This was the first joint venture in Italy between two internationally distinguished wine producers using their combined resources and winemaking expertise to create Italian wine of superior quality and elegance. The programme of collaboration started when together they purchased a parcel of land In Montalcino. Luce was the first wine produced and immediately enjoyed international acclaim. Lucente followed Luce in 1988.
Grapes: 85% Sangiovese grapes from Frescobaldi's Castelgiocondo Estate in Montalcino and
15% Merlot from Frescobaldi's Castiglioni Estate situated 20KM southwest of Florence.
Vineyard: 300 hectares Altitude: 240M - 400M Age of vines: 23 years
Soil: Galestro at Castegiocondo and sandstone rich in clay at Castiglioni
Pruning: Low spurred cordon Yield: 45 HL per Hectare
Harvest: By Hand - Sangiovese: early October - Merlot: end of September
Winemaking: The grapes were hand selected and then softly pressed. Fermentation took place in stainless steel tanks at less that 35C. Fermentation lasted 14days and maceration approximately 3 weeks. Malolactic fermentation took place in French oak casks.
Ageing: 18 months in French oak casks - (¼ new, ¼ used once, ½ used twice.) followed by a further 10 months in bottle prior to release.
Serve: At room temperature to accompany important meat dishes, stews, game and mature cheese.
Taste: Intense ruby red in colour. The nose unfolds with a wondrous complexity of dark cherries, plums, spices and a hint of vanilla. On the taste the wine displays rich, intense fruit character supported with a balanced acidity and supple tannins.
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