Lucente Rosso Tuscany Luce delle Vite

Lucente is the entry into the world of Luce della Vite – and shows how much character a Tuscan red wine can already bring at this level.

The winery was created in 1995 from the collaboration of Marchese Frescobaldi and Robert Mondavi – two families who united their respective wine traditions in Tuscany. The vineyards are located near Montalcino, where Sangiovese and Merlot benefit from the altitude and the clay-rich soil.

In the glass, the Lucente shows dark berry fruit – blackberry, black cherry – accompanied by graphite and a mineral, almost stony undertone. The body is medium-weight, the tannins tight and linear, without biting. The finish is fresh, with a lively acidity structure that gives the wine length. James Suckling awarded 94 points for the 2019 vintage.

Good to drink now, but two to four years of bottle aging will make the tannins softer and reveal more complexity.

• Food: Bistecca alla Fiorentina, braised leg of lamb, Pecorino Stagionato
• Temperature: 17–18 °C