Frescobaldi's Castel Giocondo

Constructed in 1100 to guard the road from the port at Talamone to Siena, the castle has belonged to the Frescobaldi family since 1989. Already one of the top-quality producers of Brunello di Montalcino in the late 19th century, the tenuta of Castelgiocondo yields massively-structured wines of great complexity and balance.
 

The estate lies on the Maremma-facing slope of Montalcino, at elevations ranging from 180 to 420 metres, and comprises 815 hectares, with 235 hectares under vine. A total of 152 hectares are officially registered for the production of Brunello di Montalcino. The soils, given their various elevations, are diverse, and the climate is warm and dry, relieved by marine breezes: these are ideal conditions for producing very full-bodied, sturdily-structured and powerful wines that are, at the same time, characterised by remarkable finesse and balance.

The new wine cellar, completed in 2005 is entirely built underground and includes wine making, bottling and storage facilities, as well as housing over 3000 barriques. The wines produced at the Castel Giocondo estate are Castelgiocondo Brunello di Montalcino Riserva DOCG, Castelgiocondo Brunello di Montalcino DOCG, Campo ai Sassi Rosso di Montalcino DOC, and Lamaione IGT. 

Lamaione and Castelgiocondo Riserva are the most prestigious wines in Castelgiocondo's portfolio. Castelgiocondo Riserva is so exclusive that it is only produced in its best years and in limited quantities. Composed of 100 percent Sangiovese grape, its deep aroma is rich in berries with spicy nuances. It is worth the 5 years of aging in oak barrels. Castelgiocondo Riserva 1997 was categorized by Wine Spectator as a collectible and its 1990 vintage was given tre bicchieri, or three glasses, award by Gambero Rosso, which is the premier Italian wine guide.

Lamaione is 100 percent Merlot, which gives it a lighter fragrance, while still being well worth its prestigious reputation. Brunello is 100 per cent Sangiovese grape, and aged for 4 years in Slovenian and French oak barriques. Its beautiful dense aroma is enriched with ripe-fruit fragrances of dark cherry and dried plum. Brunello 1997 made 8th place in the Top 100 of 2002’s “highly recommended” list of Wine Spectator.