Kevin's comments:  With an intense bouquet of typical Sangiovese character, this wine has good structure and fine, fruity flavours on the palate. Aged in large casks for 7 months.

Chateau Tasting Notes

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 vineyards planted with Sangiovese grapes.

90 hectares of these vineyards are used in the production of Rosso di Montalcino.

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: 45 HL per Hectare Density: 3,000 vines per Hectare

Winemaking: The grapes were hand and mechanically harvested during the last 2 weeks of September and then softly pressed. Fermentation took place in stainless steel tanks at 23C and maceration lasted 14 days which included fermentation..

Ageing: Part in 80 & 100HL Slovenian oak casks and balance in steel tanks for 7 months followed by 4 months in bottle prior to release..

Taste: Lively ruby red with brilliant reflections. Intense bouquet of cherries, plums with hints of violets and floral tones. A wine of good structure and body with fine fruity flavours with a lingering finish.