Tasting Notes

Full of the courage that any individual who wishes to embark on a new project possesses, we planted the first Merlot plants in the 1970s in an unusual, clay terrain. A significant challenge, which, in 1991, led to the birth of Lamaione, a solitary knight, powerful and proud in the Montalcino panorama.

Lamaione 2016 embodies the season that produced it. The balance between each of its components is seamless and thebelegant freshness is unconventional. The ruby-red color with tinges of purple is intense and impenetrable. The bouquet offers a wonderful array of aromas. Fruit is the star of the show, with pervasive hints of blueberry balanced out by fresh
balsamic and minty notes. The fragrance of the fruit seems beautifully crisp. Lamaione 2016 has a pleasant tannic attack when tasted. The level of alcohol and freshness are perfectly balanced, and the finish is long and persistent.

The 2016 season will be remembered as very even and balanced. Spring saw plenty of rainfall and mild temperatures, which resulted in the Merlot vines sprouting slightly earlier than usual, between late March and early April. Conditions in summer were hot and consistent, with infrequent cool showers. Temperatures remained normal, resulting in slow, gradual maturation that produced fully ripe grapes. This vintage can be described with just one word: perfect.

Vinification and ageing
The Merlot grapes were carefully selected, hand-picked and placed in crates. Once at the cellar, the grapes were destemmed and sorted by hand.Fermentation was carried out in steel vats at a controlled temperature, with maceration on the skins lasting approximately three weeks. The wine was then aged for 24 months in 80% new French oak barriques,
followed by afurther ageing period of 12 months in the bottle. At the end of this journey, Lamaione 2016 was ready to impress and caress palates with its elegantly velvety and fresh sensations

James Suckling 95 Points

About the Frescobaldi Family

For 700 years the Frescobaldi family has combined tradition, experience and innovation with creativity and the pursuit of excellence.

The family has always looked to develop and celebrate the diversity of Tuscany’s terroir.

Being proud owners of some of the greatest vineyards in this region they have always sought to maintain the identity and autonomy of each property.

Luce della Vite was created by the Frescobaldi and Mondavi families and has flourished under the Frescobaldi ownership.

Luce della Vite is just one of the estates owned by the family alongside Ornellaia, Masseto, Danzante, Attems (Friuli) and the six Frescobaldi Estates, Nipozzano, CastelGiocondo, Pomino, Ammiraglia, Castiglioni and Remole.