Lucente 2023

Lucente 2023, the Tuscan balance from Tenuta Luce

In this Tuscan red, Merlot and Sangiovese move forward in equal parts, between ripe fruit and freshness. I recommend it for its approachable style, yet without erasing what gives it character: measured oak aging and a silky texture that carries the fruit.

A blend at the heart of Tuscany

Lucente 2023 is an IGP Toscana produced by Tenuta Luce, in the Montalcino area. The estate's story begins in 1990, when Vittorio Frescobaldi and Robert Mondavi chose to break from the region's dominant habits and work with the pairing of Sangiovese and Merlot. This stance remains at the core of Lucente: the 2023 vintage blends 50% of each grape, without either one fully taking over.

The property lies southwest of Montalcino, within the Val d'Orcia natural park. Its vineyards cover hills and varied altitudes, on soils of schist, clay, sand and sandstone. Facing south, they benefit from a climate described as dry and temperate, with cool, breezy nights. For this wine, the bunches are hand-selected and maceration lasts about fifteen days. Fermentation with indigenous yeasts and malolactic fermentation take place in stainless steel tanks; aging, meanwhile, lasts twelve months in barrel. This duration gives a touch of wood without erasing the fruity profile.

On the nose, I find black cherries and very ripe blackberries, accompanied by a subtle hint of sweet spices. The palate is medium-bodied, with a silky texture and supple, easygoing tannins. The fruit stays in the foreground, joined by delicate notes of vanilla and a freshness that keeps everything in balance. The color is not described in the available notes, so I prefer not to assign it a precise shade: here, the nose and the mouthfeel offer the most reliable reference points.

At the table, without ceremony

I would serve Lucente 2023 with tomato-sauce pasta, roast meat or grilled vegetables: flavorful dishes that echo the fruit and spice without masking its suppleness. It is also a pleasant choice for a dinner with friends when you want an expressive red that is easy to share. Open it with the meal and take time to follow the evolution of its dark-fruit notes toward vanilla. If you want to taste Tenuta Luce's style without starting with a more imposing bottle, Lucente offers a warm, balanced introduction.