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Kevin's comments: Aged in French oak, 33% new, for 18 months, this wine, made from 100% Merlot, shows intense aromas of redcurrants and blackberries with hints of vanilla through to a complex, earthy palate with balanced oak.
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 planted with Sangiovese vines and the Lamaione vineyard that is planted with 15 hectares of Merlot vines.
MERLOT TOSCANA IGT
Grapes:
100% Merlot grapes from the Lamaione vineyard on the Castelgiocondo Estate
Altitude: 400M
Exposure: South West
Pruning: Low spurred cordon
Soil: Rich in clay & chalk
Age of Vines: 22 years old
Yield: 25 HL per Hectare
Winemaking:
The grapes were hand harvested during the 2nd & 3rd week of September and then softly pressed. Fermentation took place in stainless steel tanks at less than 30C and lasted for 12 days. Maceration lasted for 28days. Malolactic fermentation took place in French oak barrels immediately following alcoholic fermentation.
Aging:
French oak barrels for 18 months ( 1/3 in new oak), followed by at least 1 year in bottle prior to release
Taste:
Deep ruby red in colour with an intense aroma of red currants and blackberries and a hint of vanilla in the background. The palate is complex full of mature fruit with oaky tones and reflects perfectly its terroir.
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