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Kevin's comments: Clear hints of cherries and plums are accompanied by Brunello's traditional floral aromas of violets and lingering spicy notes. Concentrated and rich, well structured with the austerity of the tannins balanced by alcohol and intensity on the long finish.
Chateau Tasting Notes
CASTELGIOCONDO BRUNELLO DI MONTALCINO - MARCHESI DE FRESCOBALDI
The Frescobaldi name goes back many centuries into the history of art, culture, trade and finance of Italy in general and Tuscany in particular. The Frescobaldi family has always succeeded in understanding and anticipating change by successfully combining experience with innovation. In the last 700 years grape growing has been a predominant feature in the Frescobaldi family business. Frescobaldi has been a keen player in the development of Tuscan vine-growing and was the first to plant new varieties such as Chardonnay, Cabernet, Merlot and Pinot and to adopt new planting, cultivation and winemaking systems in their properties.
One of the major and largest vine growing business in Europe, Frescobaldi owns nine estates and includes over 1,000 hectares of vineyards, all located in prime areas where the "terroirs" are of the utmost importance. Directly managed by its family members, Frescobaldi produces almost 7 million bottles and the wines are exported to over 60 countries throughout the world.
CASTELGIOCONDO, built in 1100, was one of the first four estates to produce and bottle Brunello di Montalcino wine at the end of the last century. The property is located on the Montalcino hills, 40km from the sea and at an altitude of 250 to 450M above sea level. The surroundings of Castelgiocondo feature the typical Mediterranean woodlands. The climate is hot and dry, with a little even rainfall, good ventilation and the vines have an excellent exposure to the sun. The estate covers 150 hectares of Brunello vineyards and is the largest estate producing Brunello di Montalcino wine where the annual production reaches 700,000 bottles.
Grapes: 100% Sangiovese grapes from the Castelgiocondo Estate.
Altitude: 250-450M Exposure: South, Southwest Pruning: Low spur cordon
Soil: Rich in marl, with clay, limestone, and rich in calcium
Age of Vines: 20 years old Yield: 35 HL per Hectare
Winemaking: The grapes were hand harvested during the first 2 weeks of October and then softly pressed. Fermentation took place in stainless steel tanks at 30C and lasted 15 days. maceration lasted 28days. Immediately after alcoholic fermentation malolactic fermentation took place.
Ageing: Part in 80 & 100HL Slavonian oak casks and balance in French oak casks lasting 36 months which was then followed by 6 months in stainless steel tanks prior to bottling.
Taste: Deep, intense ruby red with purple reflections. The bouquet is richly layered, as well as being elegant and complex. Clear hints of cherries and plums are accompanied by Brunello's traditional floral aromas of violets and followed by lingering spicy notes.
The palate is powerful and aristocratic, well structured, concentrated and rich with a long and lingering finish. Will age well.
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