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Tenuta Luce

Lucente 2019

Toscana IGT

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Lucente is the second wine of Luce, a wine with contemporary style, immediate and great pleasure, and like its elder sibling, an authentic interpretation of Montalcino and the Luce estate.

After the first strict selection of the very best grapes for Luce, the next selection is used for Lucente and is often coming from the younger vineyards planted in the Luce estate. Lucente represents a more approachable expression of the estate’s unique terroir.

Vineyard

The Luce estate covers 615 acres, 217 of which are planted with Sangiovese and Merlot. The estate is in the southwest of Montalcino, at one of the highest elevation points, and south/southwest facing; the freshness and structure that result play in tension with the deep, perfectly ripe fruit. Higher elevation planting have sandstone and limestone, and are ideal for Sangiovese. Clay in the lower altitude vineyards is perfect for the powerful expression of Merlot.

Winemaking

The two varietals that go into creating Lucente are harvested at slightly different times: the Merlot is picked during the first week of September, while the Sangiovese is harvested the third week of September. The wine is fermented in temperature-controlled stainless steel vats for 10 days and does an additional 20 days of skin maceration. The wine is aged in part new, part re-used wooden barriques for 12 months before bottling.

Vintage

A cold and sunny winter was followed by a spring characterized by low average temperatures
and heavy precipitation, which contributed to the creation of important water reserves in
the soil. The reduced sunlight coupled with the heavy rainfall resulted in a slight delay in the vegetative cycle of the grapevine. Flowering took place between the end of May and early June, after which the growing season continued regularly with a hot summer free of excessive temperatures and some rainfall occurring between late July and early August.
The mild temperatures in September and the good water reserves supported a slow and regular ripening of the grapes.

Tasting Note

Lucente 2019 is an intense purplish red wine. The nose is characterized by notes of ripe red fruit, raspberries and sour cherries, combined with a touch of vanilla and a slight balsamic hint. On the palate, the wine is soft, balanced and well-supported by a pleasant crispness and smooth tannins, characteristics that together with its sweet aftertaste give the wine a persistent finish.

Color

Red

Grape Varieties

Merlot, Sangiovese

Appellation

Toscana IGT

Alcohol

14%

Suggested Retail Price

$35.00

Reviews

92

"Very Lively Bouquet"

Wine Advocate - May 26, 2022 A blend of 75% Merlot and 25% Sangiovese, the Tenuta Luce 2019 Lucente reveals a very pretty dark ruby color over medium concentration. The wine boasts a very lively bouquet with plump cherry fruit, blackberry, sweet spice and toast. At its core, Lucente is a contemporary and international wine with elegant Italian styling and evergreen appeal in both domestic and foreign markets. This softly layered Italian red would pair with your favorite dishes at your neighborhood Italian restaurant.

94

"Linear tannins"

James Suckling - June 21, 2022 "Lots of blue fruit, graphite and stone aromas and flavors. Medium-bodied with tight and linear tannins and a fresh, vivid finish. Punchy, yet fine." -J.S 6/22

91

"Cherry pie, orange zest"

Wine Enthusiast - June 20, 2023 "This wine has a subtle but classic and delicate nose, with vanilla, cherry blossom and candied orange peel before slate and graphite emerge at the back. The palate is richer, with cherry pie, orange zest, herbs and gravel. Harmonious and elegant." -D.C 6/23

Trade Materials

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Luce Lucente Bottle Shot

Other Wines by this Producer

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Luce

Luce is a singular and irresistible expression of Montalcino, a Super Tuscan with an exotic and some would say decadent side. The spectacular estate's diversity of soils, expositions and biodiversity of olive groves and forests come together in a wine as vibrant and exciting as a landscape.

Brunello di Montalcino

Luce Brunello is the winery’s tribute to Montalcino and the wine that emerged there in the second half of the 19th century to become one of Italy's crowning jewels in wine production. It is produced in a very small quantity to showcase the unique character of a pure Sangiovese from the Luce estate vineyards and pay tribute to the winemaking tradition of Montalcino.