Marchesi de Frescobaldi Brunello di Montalcino "CastelGiocondo" DOCG 2015
(Tuscany, Italy) - [JS 97] [WE 96] [DM 94] [WA 93] [WS 93]

About the Winery:
The village of Castelgiocondo overlooks the historic estate of the Frescobaldis in Montalcino: an ancient stronghold built in 1100 to defend the road leading from the sea to Siena. The property is one of the first 4 to begin producing Brunello di Montalcino in 1800, and its historic importance is represented on the label of Castelgiocondo by the figure of a condottiere from a celebrated fresco of the Sienese artist Simone Martini.

Notes from the Winemaker:
Castelgiocondo is produced from a selection of the finest Sangiovese, in a vineyard whose ideal elevation, well-drained soils, and southwest-facing exposure yield all of the qualities to produce a great expression of the variety. It is an elegant, well-balanced wine of magnificent structure. Is made with organically grown grapes.

Tasting Notes:
Brunello CastelGiocondo 2015 first appeal to the eye with its deep ruby red colour. On the nose expresses itself with aromas of berries and sour cherry under spirit. Cinnamon, tobacco, mint and tealeaves combine in a range of aromas really complex, where each component is alternating without dominating the others. The wine envelopes the mouth completely, with velvety tannins that give a creamy feeling. The alcoholic component is well balanced by afresh balsamic and a savory mineral sensation. Long finish, typical of the great vintages of CastelGiocondo.

Technical Information

About the Vintage:
The CastelGiocondo Sangiovese vines sprouted in the first week of April and continued to grow well, taking advantage of the abundant water reserves left over from 2014 and the normal levels of rain that fell in winter 2015. During the spring and early summer seasons, the weather was dry and sunny, supporting the even growth of the vines. July was very warm and dry with temperatures 5°C higher than the norm. Thanks to our established agronomic practices, such as tilling the land in autumn, green manure sowing and canopy management, the vines were not overly affected by the high July temperatures. In the first week of August, two significant rain showers brought some respite for the plants, reducing temperatures and allowing aromas, anthocyanins and essential tannins to condense.

Vinification and Ageing:
The great care taken in the vineyard, together with the typical characteristics of this unmistakable terroir, resulted in an outstanding harvest. The Sangiovese grapes were picked by hand and carefully selected after arriving in the cellar. Fermentation took place in stainless steel tanks at acontrolled temperature with frequent pump-overs, particularly during the early stages. The wine was then aged in wood containers, where it was able to mature, ripen and develop balance. Five years after the grapes were picked, and only after another period spent ageing in the bottle, CastelGiocondo Brunello is now ready to be placed on the market.

Ratings & Reviews

97 Points - James Suckling:
"This is a pure and beautiful Brunello with super fine and abundant tannins that are comprehensive and expansive. Builds on the palate. Full body. Round and firm with beautiful fruit and length. Lively and vivid. From organically grown grapes. Needs a year or two to soften, but already gorgeous." (24 Aug, 2019)

96 Points & Editor's Choice - Wine Enthusiast:
"Aromas of ripe dark-skinned berry, violet, underbrush and warm spice emerge in the glass, along with a whiff of camphor. Full bodied and enveloping, the structured palate delivers raspberry jam, dried black cherry, licorice and tobacco alongside firm fine-grained tannins. It closes on an espresso note. Drink 2023–2030." - KK (5/1/2020)

94 Points - Decanter Magazine:
"2015 is Castelgiocondo’s first certified-organic vintage, making it Montalcino’s largest certified-organic estate. Poised red fruits demonstrate underlying power. Savoury and velvety in texture, the fruit is clear and juicy: smooth with inner power." -MW (12/2020)

93 Points - Robert Parker's Wine Advocate:
"I tasted this wine next to Frescobaldi's Chianti Classico Gran Selezione from their Tenuta Perano, and the differences between that wine and this are enormous. The 2015 Brunello di Montalcino CastelGiocondo takes us to the southern side of Tuscany, and despite the fact the grape used in both wines is the same (Sangiovese), these two wine are as different as day and night. This Brunello gives you more saturated color intensity, more substantial weight and density that you feel on all the senses. Its extraction is much thicker, and the bouquet opens to aromas of plummy dark fruit, black currant, tobacco and spice. That ample width and power make this a good choice next to a grilled T-bone steak." - Monica Larner (15th Oct 2020)

93 Points - Wine Spectator Magazine:
"Bright, with cherry and berry fruit, shaded by almond, leather, tobacco and wild herb notes. Firm, dusty tannins gird the long finish. Combines power and grace. Best from 2023 through 2040. 25,000 cases made, 2,000 cases imported." - BS (Jun 30, 2020)