CastelGiocondo Brunello di Montalcino 2016

CastelGiocondo, owned by the historic Frescobaldi family, is one of the premier estates in Montalcino, producing exceptional Brunello di Montalcino. The 2016 vintage is considered one of the best in recent history for Brunello, yielding wines of remarkable structure, balance, and aging potential. This estate, located on the southwest slopes of Montalcino, benefits from the region's unique terroir, where high altitudes and Galestro soils (a mix of limestone and clay) provide the perfect environment for Sangiovese to thrive, resulting in wines with vibrant acidity, depth, and elegance.

The 2016 vintage was marked by ideal weather conditions, producing wines with powerful fruit concentration and structured tannins while maintaining a freshness that will allow for long-term aging. CastelGiocondo follows a traditional winemaking approach, with extended maceration on the skins and aging in large Slavonian oak casks, giving the wine time to develop complex tertiary aromas and a polished texture.

Appearance: Deep garnet with ruby reflections, showing both concentration and youth, while also hinting at its long aging potential.

Aroma: Intense and complex, the nose offers layers of ripe cherry, plum, and blackberry, intertwined with earthy aromas of forest floor, tobacco, and leather. As the wine opens, subtle hints of dried rose petals, truffle, and a touch of balsamic emerge, adding depth and intrigue. The oak aging brings delicate notes of cedar, vanilla, and spice, complementing the fruit without overpowering it.

Taste: Full-bodied and powerful, the palate reveals a rich core of ripe red and black fruits—cherry, wild berries, and plum—balanced by savoury undertones of leather, dried herbs, and a touch of black tea. The tannins are firm and finely grained, giving the wine structure and longevity, while the vibrant acidity lifts the fruit and ensures balance. There’s a beautiful interplay between the wine’s fruit intensity and its earthy, spicy complexity.

Finish: Long, elegant, and persistent, with lingering notes of red fruit, dried herbs, and a hint of liquorice. The wine’s refined tannins and bright acidity leave a clean, structured finish that promises further development with age.

Pairings: Slow-cooked porchetta wrapped in jamon with cavolo nero and red wine jus. The richness of the porchetta will be beautifully balanced by the wine’s acidity and tannins, while the savoury elements of the dish mirror the earthy and herbal notes in the wine.

Spiced lamb ribs with burnt maple, parsley, and hazelnut crumb. The wine’s robust tannins and complex fruit profile will stand up to the bold flavours of the lamb, while its acidity cuts through the richness, making it a harmonious pairing.

CastelGiocondo Brunello di Montalcino 2016 is a magnificent wine, showcasing both the power and finesse of Brunello. With its balance of ripe fruit, structured tannins, and vibrant acidity, it can be enjoyed now with hearty, flavourful dishes or cellared for the next 10–20 years to fully appreciate its aging potential.