Frescobaldi - Tenuta Luce della Vite : Luce 2021

Wild blackberry and blackcurrant are densely packed in. Pliant, chewy tannins seem lost in layers of fruit, yet this remains properly corseted. Penetrating acidity lends energy, and hints of thyme, Mediterranean shrub and mocha add further intrigue. His second year at the helm, winemaker Alessandro Marini favoured slightly shorter maceration times – just 18 to 20 days for Sangiovese – to avoid over-extracting in this hot, fully charged vintage. A wine to sink your teeth into – eventually.

Classic Luce, with its grippy tannins, grilled sandalwood, a caress of rose petal, followed by raspberry, red cherry purée, baking spice, liquorice and dried herbs on the finish. Darker ruby in colour than many of the Tuscans in the lineup, reflective of 80% new oak and the more contemporary style, with Merlot adding roundness through the palate and tannic pressure on the close. Nicolo d'Afflitto director, Alessandro Marini winemaker.