Winemakers Daniele Vuerich (Attems, left) and Alessandro Marini (Tenuta Luce, right).
My meeting with winemakers Alessandro Marina (Tenuta Luce) and Daniele Vuerich (Attems) was one of my most memorable appointments this year.
I was so inspired by their passion and commitment to the art and science of winemaking. These young winemakers have already achieved great success; I look forward to following their careers for many years to come.
Attems and Tenuta Luce are both owned by the venerable Frescobaldi winemaking family.
Attems is located in Friuli, in the northeast of Italy, a region celebrated for white wines with texture and character. Tenuta Luce is located in the renowned Tuscan appellation, Montalcino.
Attems Pinot Grigio Ramato 2021($20) is an antidote to the bland and watery Pinot Grigio that has saturated the US market. Ramato means copper, and the wine gets its coppery hue from extended skin contact during maceration. Daniele described the wine as a “rosé-style Pinot Grigio” with “complexity and lively acidity.”
Attems “Cicinis” Sauvignon Blanc 2020 ($35) hails from the heart from the Collio region of Friuli. A single-vineyard wine, it is zesty and bright with a touch of herbs and a slightly creamy texture.
Tenuta Luce “Luce” Toscana 2019 ($130) is one of Italy’s iconic “Super Tuscan” wines and the first in Montalcino to blend Sangiovese and Merlot. Alessandro said the “very flamboyant” Merlot is balanced by the acidity of the Sangiovese. Silky and almost creamy with rich red fruit flavors and a kiss of spice.
Tenuta Luce Brunello di Montalcino 2017 ($135) is an elegant and classic expression of the regal Brunello. Bold and balanced with well-integrated tannins and a long finish, the Sangiovese grape sings in the glass.
