Brunello di Montalcino 2014, Tenuta Castelgiocondo, Frescobaldi

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Our Price:  £48.70Earn 48 Loyalty Points Bottle or Case:    Bottle:  £48.70  Case of 6:  £292.20  Case of 12:  £584.40 Producer:  Marchesi de Frescobaldi Grape Varieties:  100% Sangiovese Optimum Drinking:  Within 12 years Wine Style:  A fine aristocratic wine - concentrated and rich Alcohol by Volume:  13.5% Closure:  Natural Cork Country:  Italian Availability:

Brunello di Montalcino 2012, Tenuta Castelgiocondo, Frescobaldi 

Producer Note

CastelGiocondo epitomises the spirit of Montalcino. It is considered to be one of the most historical estates of Montalcino, as it was one of the first producers of Brunello di Montalcino during the 1800s. The vines are overlooked by the castle and the small medieval town of Montalcino. The combination of the unique location of the vineyard, which is situated at 300 to 400 metres altitude; the south western orientation, which benefits from the warming afternoon sun; and the free draining marl soil culminates to produce this top quality Sangiovese. The CastelGiocondo wines are distinguished by their opulence, power and extraordinary longevity.

Vintage

The winter season was characterised by quite mild temperatures, unusual for the time of year. The reawakening vines were greeted with warm and sunny spring days. The cool and particularly rainy summer encouraged longer vegetative development. The second half of September was characterised by lack of rain, ample sun and significant diurnal-nocturnal temperature variations, which accelerated maturation, delivering rich grapes with aromatic, colourful and structural components.

Vineyard

The high density vineyards are planted at between 250 and 400 metres above sea level, with 5,500 vines per hectare. The vines have an average age of 15 years and are Cordon spur and Guyot trained. Meticulous vineyard management takes place by hand. There are two types of soil on the estate, the first is rich in sand with a high presence of calcium, while the second is calcareous, rich in both clay and calcium with a more alkaline pH.

Winemaking

The grapes were hand-harvested with cluster selection and then pressed using soft horizontal presses. Fermentation took place in stainless steel at 30°C and lasted 10 days, while maceration on the skins lasted 32 days. The wine then underwent malolactic fermentation. It was matured for four years before release - by law a minimum of two years in wood and four months in bottle. A combination of Slavonian oak casks and French oak barrels are used, imparting complexity to the wine.

Tasting Note

An intense ruby red in colour, the wine expresses itself through clearly defined aromas of raspberry and pomegranate, which are further enriched by elegant floral notes. On the palate, the CastelGiocondo Brunello 2012 is harmonious and well-defined wine with elegant tannins and a sapid and mineral persistence.

Serving Suggestion

Braised red meats or aged cheese.

Grape

Sangiovese 100%