Frescobaldi, Castelgiocondo Brunello di Montalcino 2016

The Frescobaldi family's CastelGiocondo estate, located in Montalcino, Tuscany, has a rich history of producing exceptional wines. Established in the 19th century, the estate has become renowned for its Brunello di Montalcino, a wine that exemplifies the unique terroir of the region. The 2016 vintage stands out as a testament to their commitment to quality and tradition, benefiting from an outstanding growing season that allowed the Sangiovese grapes to achieve remarkable balance, structure, and aromatic intensity.

The vineyards are situated at an altitude of 300 metres above sea level, benefiting from well-drained galestro soils rich in marl and limestone. This unique terroir, combined with meticulous vineyard management and traditional winemaking techniques, imparts a distinctive character to the wine. The 2016 growing season provided optimal conditions, resulting in grapes of exceptional ripeness and complexity.

Appearance: The wine displays a vibrant and intense ruby-red hue with deep garnet reflections, highlighting its evolving nature and potential for long-term aging. The core is rich and saturated, while the rim gradually lightens to a more translucent shade, indicative of classic Brunello structure. The wine exhibits exceptional clarity and brilliance, with a luminous sheen that reflects its careful vinification. When swirled, slow, elegant tears form down the glass, hinting at its full-bodied nature and well-balanced tannins.

Aroma: On the nose, it offers a wide-ranging and elegant bouquet. Initial fruity sensations of wild forest berries, ripe black cherry, and plum emerge, complemented by delicate floral hints of dried violets and rose petals. As the wine breathes, it reveals complex undertones of sweet spices such as clove, nutmeg, and cinnamon, along with earthy balsamic nuances of tobacco, leather, and a touch of graphite. A refined minerality lingers in the background, enhancing the depth of the aromatic profile.

Taste: The palate is full-bodied and harmonious, with a dense yet refined tannic structure that adds depth and longevity. Flavours of dark cherry, blackcurrant, and juicy red plum are beautifully integrated with warm hints of vanilla, licorice, and dark cocoa. The wine’s characteristic mineral quality provides further elegance, while well-balanced acidity ensures vibrancy and freshness. The oak influence is subtle, lending a smooth, velvety texture without overwhelming the fruit’s purity.

Finish: The finish is exceptionally long and layered, leaving a lingering impression of ripe dark fruit, savoury spice, and balsamic depth. A touch of toasted cedar, espresso, and dried herbs emerge as the wine slowly fades, highlighting its complexity and aging potential. The finely structured tannins provide a polished yet firm grip, ensuring a graceful and evolving finish that will continue to develop over time.

Food Pairing: This Brunello di Montalcino pairs beautifully with hearty dishes such as wild boar ragù over pappardelle pasta or a classic Florentine steak, where the wine’s acidity and tannins enhance the savoury depth of the dish. It also complements aged cheeses like Pecorino Toscano, bringing out the nutty and salty nuances while harmonising with the wine’s richness and structure. A slow-braised lamb shank or venison stew would further elevate its complexity, making for an unforgettable pairing.

The 2016 CastelGiocondo Brunello di Montalcino is a remarkable expression of the vintage, showcasing the estate’s dedication to producing wines of exceptional quality and character. With its refined elegance, structure, and aging potential, this wine promises to evolve beautifully over the coming years while offering immense pleasure in its youth.