CastelGiocondo Brunello Di Montalcino 2016

The label is a 14th Century depiction of Guidoriccio da Fogliano at the siege of Montemassi. It's a print, let's just be clear, a 14th century fresco is not included in the cost of this wine. That's quite a good business idea though, how much more would you pay for a bottle of Brunelo if it had a Sandro Botticelli original scribbled up the side? On second thought, it's probably not financially viable... What this bottle lacks in original artwork it makes up for in wine. The wine appears as a rich ruby red, then releases clean-edged aromas of raspberry and pomegranate, enriched by graceful floral notes. All components are beautifully balanced on the palate, with glossy, elegant tannins and a full-flavoured, long-lingering finish with a delicious minerally tang.

Castelgiocondo is deeply rooted in the history of Montalcino and is one of the most prestigious in the area. The estate of Castelgiocondo, is located in the southwest of Montalcino, an ideal terroir for Sangiovese and for the great wines that are produced here. The vineyards are found at the perfect altitude between 300 and 400 metres with well-drained soils and sunny, favourable southwest exposure. In the vineyards, extreme care is given to the vines. High density and low production make a great Brunello of elegant texture and marvellous longevity.
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 sea to 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 a candottiere from a celebrated 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.