# CastelGiocondo Brunello di Montalcino (2012)

- **Producer:** Tenuta CastelGiocondo
- **Colour:** red
- **Type:** still
- **Grapes:** Sangiovese
- **Region:** Toscana, Italy
- **Style:** Classic
- **Alcohol:** 14.5%
- **Average price:** €55
- **Contains sulphites:** Yes
- **When to drink:** Now or Later
- **Serving temperature:** 16–18 °C
- **Aromas & flavours:** cherry, plum, violet, black pepper, herbaceous, vanilla, cedar, smoke, cloves, leather, tobacco, forest floor, mushroom

## About this wine

Tenuta CastelGiocondo is a historic estate located on the south-western slopes of Montalcino, owned by the renowned Marchesi Frescobaldi family since 1989. The estate's unique terroir is characterized by high-elevation vineyards, galestro-rich soils, and a warm, dry microclimate tempered by maritime breezes. The 2012 vintage was marked by a hot, dry summer, resulting in low yields of highly concentrated grapes with exceptional structure and aging potential. This wine represents a classic expression of the region's heritage and the Frescobaldi family's commitment to quality.

## Interesting facts

- CastelGiocondo was one of the first four estates to begin producing Brunello di Montalcino in the late 19th century.
- The estate features a historic 11th-century fortress that dominates the medieval village of CastelGiocondo.
- The vineyards are situated at elevations ranging from 250 to 450 meters, benefiting from optimal sun exposure and cooling sea breezes.

## Food pairing

Brunello di Montalcino's high acidity and robust tannin structure require rich, savory dishes with high protein and fat content to soften the tannins. Earthy flavors like wild game, mushrooms, and truffles complement the wine's complex tertiary notes.

## Wine making process

The Sangiovese grapes were meticulously hand-harvested and sorted. Fermentation took place in temperature-controlled stainless steel and concrete tanks, with frequent pump-overs to ensure optimal extraction of color and tannins. The wine underwent malolactic fermentation before being aged for a minimum of two years in Slavonian oak casks and French oak barrels. Following the wood aging, the wine was refined in the bottle for several months before its commercial release, meeting the strict aging requirements of the Brunello di Montalcino DOCG.