Lucente Toscana Rosso IGT 2020

Tenuta Luce della Vite is based in the hills south-west of Montalcino, a project that began in the early 1990s when Vittorio Frescobaldi and Robert Mondavi brought together their experience with the ambition of creating a modern Tuscan wine rooted in the character of the territory. The estate covers 192 hectares, with 55 hectares under vine at around 350–420 metres, where stony, sediment-rich soils and south-facing exposure encourage slow, even ripening. Lucente is produced from selected parcels of the estate and offers a more immediate expression of the vineyards than the flagship Luce. The 2020 growing season was warm and dry, with useful late-August rainfall and good day-night temperature variation, producing healthy, well-balanced fruit.

The 2020 Lucente is a blend led by Merlot with Sangiovese, combining the dark, generous fruit and supple texture of Merlot with the freshness and structure of Sangiovese. The grapes are fermented in temperature-controlled stainless-steel vats, followed by extended skin contact and malolactic fermentation before 12 months of ageing in barriques. The finished wine shows ripe blueberry, blackberry and cherry alongside balsamic notes, brioche, subtle spice and a gently savoury character. On the palate it is smooth and rounded, with fresh acidity, polished tannins and a long, fruit-driven finish. Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate awarded the 2020 91 points, describing a medium- to full-bodied wine with sweet cherry, raspberry and cedar notes. A versatile Tuscan red for grilled beef, roast pork, pasta with ragù, lamb and medium-aged cheeses.