Frescobaldi, Ripe al Convento Riserva 2016

The Frescobaldi family's CastelGiocondo estate, located in Montalcino, Tuscany, has a rich history dating back to the 12th century. As one of the pioneering producers of Brunello di Montalcino, the estate has consistently demonstrated a commitment to excellence. The Ripe al Convento Riserva 2016 exemplifies this dedication, offering a wine of remarkable depth and character, shaped by the unique terroir and meticulous winemaking techniques.

The vineyards are situated at an elevation of approximately 450 metres, benefiting from schist-based Galestro soils. These conditions, combined with careful vineyard management and a patient aging process, contribute to the wine’s structured yet elegant profile. The 2016 vintage experienced favourable weather patterns, ensuring optimal ripeness and balance in the grapes.

Appearance: The wine presents a splendid, deeply concentrated ruby-red hue, almost bordering on garnet, with vibrant yet refined brilliance. The core is rich and opaque, gradually fading to slightly lighter, warm brick-red reflections at the rim, indicative of its aging potential. Swirling the glass reveals slow, well-defined legs that elegantly coat the surface, hinting at the wine’s full-bodied nature and refined tannic structure. Its clarity and luminous sheen highlight the precision of its vinification and long maturation.

Aroma: The bouquet is wonderfully and elegantly intense, featuring a symphony of red and black berries such as blackcurrant, blueberry, morello cherry, and blackberry. These fruity notes are complemented by delicate floral hints of dried violets and rose petals, followed by complex tertiary aromas of tobacco, black tea leaves, leather, and roasted coffee. As the wine opens up, subtle exotic spices like nutmeg, black and white pepper, and a touch of balsamic contribute to its depth and layered complexity. A fine minerality lingers in the background, adding freshness to the aromatic profile.

Taste: On the palate, the wine is fresh with a firm yet velvety tannic hold, offering an ample, massy, and fleshy mouthfeel with well-defined precision. The tannins are mouth-filling yet detailed and polished, lending excellent structure and longevity. Flavours mirror the nose, with primary notes of ripe blueberry, black cherry, and blackcurrant evolving into refined tertiary elements of tobacco, espresso, dark chocolate, and exotic spices. A touch of liquorice and dried Mediterranean herbs further enrich the experience, while a distinct mineral streak enhances its overall complexity. The wine’s well-balanced acidity ensures freshness, lifting the concentrated fruit and providing remarkable finesse.

Finish: The finish is exceptionally long and sophisticated, powerful yet poised, leaving a lingering aftertaste of dark fruit, spice, and delicate balsamic notes. The tannins remain present but polished, adding to the wine’s remarkable persistence. Subtle nuances of cedarwood, graphite, and a hint of black truffle slowly emerge, contributing to an elegant and evolving conclusion. As the wine continues to develop in the glass, its graceful depth and structure become even more evident, promising great aging potential.

Food Pairing: This Brunello di Montalcino Riserva pairs exceptionally well with rich, slow-cooked dishes such as osso buco or braised wild boar, where its robust structure and acidity balance the savoury richness of the meat. Roasted game meats, such as venison or duck with a balsamic glaze, further complement the wine’s dark fruit and earthy notes. Aged cheeses like Parmigiano-Reggiano or Pecorino Toscano bring out its intricate layers of spice and minerality, making for an indulgent and refined pairing.

The Ripe al Convento Riserva 2016 is a testament to CastelGiocondo’s enduring legacy, offering a wine that is both powerful and refined, with the potential to evolve beautifully over the coming decades. With its exceptional depth, structure, and balance, it stands as a magnificent expression of Brunello di Montalcino at its finest.