Lucente is the kind of wine that makes cold evenings feel instantly warmer: plush, polished and full of dark, velvety fruit. As the second wine of the celebrated Tenuta Luce estate in Montalcino, it offers a luxurious glimpse into one of Tuscany’s most iconic projects, but with a generosity and approachability that make it a pleasure to drink right now.
Frescobaldi Tenuta Luce Lucente, Producer
Tenuta Luce is one of Tuscany’s modern greats, an estate created in the early 1990s through a partnership between the Frescobaldi family and Robert Mondavi. Their shared goal was bold: to craft a wine in Montalcino that blended the elegance of Sangiovese with the plush, deep fruit of Merlot. Today the estate belongs solely to Frescobaldi, but the pioneering spirit remains.
Lucente is made with the same care and philosophy as the flagship Luce, but is designed to be more open, supple and drinkable in its youth. The estate sits in the south-west of Montalcino, an area blessed with full sunlight, cooling breezes and varied soils that allow both Merlot and Sangiovese to thrive. Frescobaldi’s commitment to careful vineyard management, selective harvesting and precision winemaking ensures that Lucente always punches well above its price point.
Frescobaldi Tenuta Luce Lucente, Terroir & Winemaking
The vineyards of Tenuta Luce stretch across rolling hills formed from clay, sandstone and ancient marine sediments. These soils give the wine both richness and finesse, while excellent drainage encourages deep root systems and natural concentration. Warm days and cool nights lengthen the growing season, allowing grapes to ripen gently and evenly.
Lucente is typically a blend of Merlot and Sangiovese, harvested by hand and vinified parcel by parcel. Fermentation takes place in stainless steel to preserve fruit purity, followed by around 12 months of ageing in barriques, mostly second and third fill; enough to shape the wine without overwhelming it. After maturation, the final blend is assembled with a focus on balance: plush fruit, silky structure and a savoury Tuscan undertone.
Frescobaldi Tenuta Luce Lucente, Tasting Notes
Deep ruby with hints of garnet. Aromas of black cherry, plum and cassis intertwine with touches of cedar, mocha, tobacco and sweet spice. The palate is smooth and enveloping, offering ripe dark fruit, soft herbal notes and a whisper of cocoa. Fine, velvety tannins glide through to a warm, lingering finish. Stylish and modern, yet unmistakably Tuscan.
Did You Know?
The name Luce (“light”) refers not only to the estate’s sun-soaked vineyards but also to the original vision of creating a wine that shines with both Italian tradition and international finesse.
Foor pairing suggestion: Wild Mushroom & Speck Ragù with Pappardelle. The earthy mushrooms and savoury cured meat highlight the wine’s Tuscan depth, while its dark fruit brings lift and warmth to every bite.
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