CastelGiocondo 2017
Brunello di Montalcino DOCG
The village of Castelgiocondo overlooks the historic estate of the Frescobaldis in Montalcino: an ancient stronghold built in
1100 to defend the road leading from the seato Siena. The property is one of the first 4 to begin producing Brunello di
Montalcino in 1800, and its historic importance is represented on the label of Castelgiocondo by the figure of acondottiere
from acelebrated fresco of the Sienese artist Simone Martini.
The artist’s depiction shows Guidoriccio da Fogliano, commander of the troops of Siena who in 1323 led the attack on the
Montemassi castle; an historic moment that coincided with the initiation of the Frescobaldi family’s centuries-old
adventure in the world of wine.
Climatic trend
Winter in 2017 was rather mild, with slightly above-average temperatures. Summer and spring saw high temperatures
and low rainfall. The combination of the clay-rich soils and particularly dry growing season resulted in decent growth and
excellent subsequent ripening. When the grapes were harvested, they were healthy, intact and well concentrated. The
abundant light and heat in 2017 gave the CastelGiocondo wines extraordinary strength and richness.
Vinification and ageing
The great care take in the vineyard, together with the typical characteristics of this unmistakable terroir, resulted in an
outstanding harvest. The Sangiovese grapes were picked by hand and carefully selected after arriving at the cellar.
Fermentation took place in stainless steel tanks at acontrolled temperature with frequent pump-overs, particularly during
the early stages. The wine was then aged in wood containers, where it was able to mature and develop balance. 5 years
after the grapes were picked, and only after another period spent ageing in the bottle, CastelGiocondo Brunello is ready to
be placed on the market.
Tasting notes
CastelGiocondo 2017 has an intense, bright ruby-red colour. Like every vintage, 2017 brought with it a wonderfully
elegant quality. The bouquet features fruity aromas, particularly at the beginning, with notes of raspberry, blackcurrant
and even pomegranate. The beautifully harmonious and alluring hints of violet and rose are truly wonderful. Gradually, its
maturity becomes truly remarkable, revealing spiced hints of white pepper, clove and star anise, toasted notes and more
complex roasted notes and hints of liquorice. On the palate, the tannic structure is dense and the mineral quality is
wonderful. This is an incredibly harmonious wine with along, persistent finish.