Vintage 2003
Appelation Toscana, IGT
Main varieties 50 % Merlot, 50% Sangiovese
  
TASTING NOTES
Color Luce 2003 is a lustrous, striking purple-red, almost opaque to the eye.  
Aromas Delicate notes of wild berryfruit, such as blueberry and blackberry, are obvious on the nose, enriched by spicier nuances of cinnamon and nutmeg, and with a final, elegant touch of crisp mint.
Taste Luce impresses immediately on the palate, with good, velvet-textured weight; expansive, fine-grained tannins; a firm, sturdy structure, concluding with a finale that seems endless.  
  
SUGGESTED USE
Roast pork, but also wild game such as stewed hare or boar. Wonderful with aged pecorino cheese.  

TERROIR AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS
Estate and vineyards' location Luce, Montalcino
Vineyards' size About 16.5 hectares of proprietary vineyards and as many on the Castel Giocondo Estate
Altitude 350- 420 meters
Exposure South, Southwest
Soil type Consisting of marl, limestone and sandstone, rich is clay and calcium
Planting density 3,500 vines per hectare
Pruning system Spur pruned cordon
Vineyards' average age 31 years
  
VINTAGE REPORT
Vintage report The 2003 growing season was very good for all grape varieties grown in Montalcino. Compared to the previous years, the particularly intense sun of the summer months contributed to the early ripening of the grapes. The climatic conditions were optimal during harvest and the fruit arrived at the winery in excellent condition, rich in sugars, and with a high skin to must ratio. After pressing, we could sense that Sangiovese was well rounded, with fresh and fruity aromas, while Merlot showed an intense color, excellent structure, and elegant fruit fragrances.
  
Lenght of ageing 24 months
Bottle ageing 1 year
STOCK
AWARDS
Other vintages:
Falstaff (Austria)
10-18-2001 Falstaff (Austria) - 92 points
Vini d'Italia 2002 - Arci Gola (Italia)
11-12-2001 Vini d'Italia 2002 - Due Bicchieri Rossi
Vinarius
11-12-2001 Vinarius - Wine of the year 2001
Wine Spectator - USA
07-12-2002 Luce '99 - 93 points from Wine Spectator
Duemilavini AIS 2003
09-30-2002 Duemilavini AIS (Italy) 5 "grappoli" 2003 - the highest possible score given by the Associazione Italiana Sommelliers
Wine Spectator (USA)
12-10-2003 Wine Spectator -91 punti a Luce 2000-
Duemilavini AIS 2004
12-09-2003 Duemilavini AIS (Italy) -5 grappoli 2004- The highest possible score given by the Associazione Italiana Sommeliers
Guida dei Vini de l'Espresso 2004 (Italy)
12-10-2003 Guida dei Vini de l'Espresso 2004 (Italy) -17 out of 20 given to Luce 2000-
Wine Spectator (USA)
07-12-2002 Luce'99 - 93 points from Wine Spectator