Frescobaldi, Lux Vitis 2017 (85% Cabernet Sauvignon 15% Sangiovese)

Frescobaldi is one of Tuscany’s most historic and influential wine families, with a winemaking legacy dating back over 700 years. Known for producing some of Italy’s finest wines, the estate blends tradition with innovation, crafting exceptional expressions of Tuscan terroir. Lux Vitis is a rare and powerful wine that showcases the remarkable synergy between Cabernet Sauvignon and Sangiovese. First produced in 2015, this Super Tuscan-style blend comes from a small, carefully selected vineyard at CastelGiocondo in Montalcino, where Cabernet Sauvignon thrives in mineral-rich soils and a unique microclimate. The 2017 vintage, shaped by a warm growing season, offers exceptional ripeness, depth, and structure.

The vineyard’s rocky, well-draining soils and high-altitude location create an ideal environment for Cabernet Sauvignon, enhancing its complexity and age-worthiness. After hand-harvesting and meticulous sorting, fermentation takes place in stainless steel tanks, followed by two years of ageing in French oak barrels (80% new). A further 16 months in bottle refines the wine, ensuring a polished and harmonious expression of power and elegance.

Appearance: Deep garnet with inky ruby reflections, showing remarkable intensity and richness. The wine’s viscosity is evident, with slow, thick legs forming on the glass, hinting at its concentration and structure. The transition from an opaque core to a slightly lighter rim suggests early signs of development, while maintaining vibrancy.

Aroma: Complex and intense, with layers of ripe blackcurrant, blackberry, and dark cherry. Notes of cedar, tobacco, and graphite bring classic Cabernet character, while hints of Mediterranean herbs, balsamic, and spice reflect the Tuscan influence. Subtle nuances of vanilla, dark chocolate, and toasted oak add depth, revealing the elegance of extended barrel ageing.

Taste: Bold yet refined, with a luxurious mouthfeel and layers of dark fruit. Cassis, black plum, and wild berries dominate, supported by velvety tannins and bright acidity. Savoury undertones of leather, black olive, and dried herbs add complexity, while well-integrated oak introduces hints of espresso, nutmeg, and sweet spice. The balance between richness and freshness makes it both powerful and beautifully structured.

Finish: Exceptionally long and evolving, with lingering dark fruit, fine-grained tannins, and a touch of minerality. The wine’s acidity keeps it vibrant, while echoes of dark chocolate, crushed violets, and tobacco emerge in the final moments. As the flavours fade, a refined smokiness and a hint of earthy truffle leave a lasting impression of depth and sophistication.

Food Pairing:
Grilled Florentine steak with rosemary and sea salt, where the wine’s structure and dark fruit complement the charred, savoury elements of the dish.
Aged Pecorino Toscano, as the wine’s tannins and acidity balance the cheese’s nutty, salty complexity while enhancing its depth of flavour.