Frescobaldi Castelgiocondo Brunello di Montalcino 2016

Drink now or cellar for up to 15 years. No need to decant before serving.

The stunning hilltop Tuscan village of Castelgiocondo sits overlooking the historic estate of the Frescobaldi family in Montalcino who have been closely involved with the development of Brunello di Montalcino over the last two decades. The property, which was originally built in 1100 to defend Siena from attack from the sea, was actually one of the first four to start making Brunello wines in 1800.

Castelgiocondo is especially prized for its excellent terroir and special location in Montalcino with varied soils including clay, sands, and the rocky schist known as galestro which is found in most of Tuscany’s finest vineyards. The care and attention to detail begin in the vineyard with manual harvesting and careful selection of the fruit on arrival at the winery. After vinification the young wine is kept in large casks and then in the bottle for a total of five years following the harvest.

This lengthy maturation process helps integrate the natural beauty of the Sangiovese fruit and the Montalcino terroir with subtle influences from the oak. The nose is bursting with delicate notes of violets, bright red cherries, freshly-cracked black pepper and hints of cedar and clove. On the palate there’s a bold structure, firm tannins, and a solid core of ripe fruit which lingers on the palate. Ideal for cellaring for a few more years or enjoying now alongside hearty red meat or game dishes.