Name: Castelgiocondo (Frescobaldi) Brunello di Montalcino Riserva Ripe Al Convento 2019 750ml
Brand: Castelgiocondo (Frescobaldi)
SKU: 1002647
Price: 118.95 USD
Availability: InStock
Rating: 95.2 (5 reviews)

Winery

Castelgiocondo (Frescobaldi)

Shop all from Castelgiocondo (Frescobaldi)

Varietal

Sangiovese

The name of this grape, meaning 'blood of Jove' conjures up evocative images of long dead civilizations, and gives the Sangiovese varietal a sense of the holy, the sacred, the special. Indeed, this particular type of Italian grape has been cultivated and processed for thousands of years, and is said to be the original favorite grape varietal of the Romans, and the Etruscans before them. Throughout history, vintners have continued to plant this varietal, and they continue to produce wonderful wines to this day. The long bunches of very dark, round fruit are treasured by fine wineries in Italy and a few other places around the world, and when young, these grapes are lively â€“ full of strawberry flavors and a little spiciness. However, it is when they are aged in oak that they take on some truly special flavors and aromas, as seen in some of the finest wines of the Old World.

Country

Italy

There are few countries in the world with a viticultural history as long or as illustrious as that claimed by Italy. Grapes were first being grown and cultivated on Italian soil several thousand years ago by the Greeks and the Pheonicians, who named Italy 'Oenotria' – the land of wines – so impressed were they with the climate and the suitability of the soil for wine production. Of course, it was the rise of the Roman Empire which had the most lasting influence on wine production in Italy, and their influence can still be felt today, as much of the riches of the empire came about through their enthusiasm for producing wines and exporting it to neighbouring countries. Since those times, a vast amount of Italian land has remained primarily for vine cultivation, and thousands of wineries can be found throughout the entire length and breadth of this beautiful country, drenched in Mediterranean sunshine and benefiting from the excellent fertile soils found there. Italy remains very much a 'land of wines', and one could not imagine this country, its landscape and culture, without it.

Region

Tuscany

The central Italian region of Tuscany is widely understood to be one of the world's most famous and highly regarded wine regions. The beautiful rolling hillsides and medieval towns and castles which are a key feature of the area are also home to many of Europe's finest wineries, and extremely high quality vineyards growing the distinctive Sangiovese and Vernaccia grape varietals which are the flavorful backbone of Tuscany's wonderful red and white wines. For almost three thousand years, this region has been recognized as an ideal home for wine production on a large scale, and the ancient Etruscans, Greeks and Romans all noticed that fine grape varietals flourished on the unique soils and under the hot sunshine which typifies the area. Today, Tuscany is home to a wide range of wines, from the traditional to the complex, but all dedicated to excellent flavors and aromas, and maintaining the region's international reputation.

Appellation

Brunello Di Montalcino

Brunello di Montalcino, an esteemed wine appellation in Tuscany, Italy, has been crafting exceptional red wines since its establishment in 1966. Focused exclusively on the Sangiovese grape, specifically the local Brunello clone, this region's unique terroir of warm, dry climate and well-drained soils imparts richness and complexity to the wines. The hallmark of Brunello is its extended aging, requiring a minimum of four years, with at least two spent in oak barrels. This meticulous process results in bold, full-bodied wines with robust tannins, vibrant acidity, and a remarkable aging potential. Flavors of ripe red berries and dark cherries, coupled with notes of leather, tobacco, and spices, define the nuanced profile of Brunello di Montalcino wines. Exploring these wines offers enthusiasts a captivating journey into the world of Italian winemaking, showcasing the harmonious blend of tradition, terroir, and meticulous craftsmanship.

WS 97pts

Wine Spectator

Cherry, raspberry, plum and floral aromas and flavors are the hallmarks of this silky yet solidly built red. Comes together nicely on the persistent aftertaste, where mineral and wild herb accents emerge. Offers terrific balance, freshness and harmony. Best from 2027 through 2045.

JD 96pts

Jeb Dunnuck

A bright ruby/red color, the 2019 Brunello Di Montalcino Riserva Vigna Ripe Al Convento is spicy on opening, with layered aromas of cedar, cranberry compote, blood orange, and dried flowers. The palate brings forward wonderful energetic and refreshing acidity, with well-defined, angular tannins, and mouthwatering, salty accents. It's an exceptional and fresh Riserva with the bones to age over the coming 20 years.

JS 95pts

James Suckling

A bright, fruity wine with intoxicating, pristine and ripe red cherries as well as camphor notes enhanced by a floral bouquet. Solid on the attack. Full-bodied, showing lush, supple fruit, good concentration, velvety tannins and woven acidity. Toasty, sweet, tobacco aftertaste. Ready to drink now but will develop more complexity with bottle-aging. Best after 2027.

DC 95pts

Decanter

The Ripe al Convento vineyard has always supplied Castelgiocondo’s Riserva (in years it is made). The 8ha plot flanks the top of a hill rising from 420 to 450 metres above sea level. Opening with a tangle of dusty, dry Mediterranean herbs, tamarind and carob, the 2019 exudes sense of place. Dense layers of generous dark brambly berries are hugged by ample yet fine grainy tannins. These are broad and youthfully cinching but never austere. Integrated acidity gently permeates the palate. Hearty and textured, this lingers with cocoa and a rusty tang.

VM 93pts

Vinous Media

Crushed plums and minty herbs give way to hints of white pepper and tobacco as the 2019 Brunello di Montalcino Ripe al Convento comes to life in the glass. It washes across the palate with a tension-building wave of tart wild berries and sour citrus as crunchy mineral tones amass toward the close. It's tannic yet dramatically long with a potent staining of primary fruit all balanced by a bump of residual acidity. Bury this beast in the cellar for the best results.

Winery Notes

Ripe at Convento has a beautiful intense and brilliant ruby red robe with garnet red reflections on the nail. The nose has intense hints of red fruits, among which the blackberry, black currant, blueberry and raspberry stands out. The floral notes of violet flanked by memories of wild rose are inevitable. The central olfactory phase is dominated by both spicy tertiary aromas, with black pepper in the foreground and following nutmeg, and by pleasant notes of fermented tobacco and black tea, cedar wood and hints of undergrowth. Even the tannic plot is the one that always characterizes Ripe at the Convent, decisive and caressing at the same time. Balanced the relationship between the freshness given by the beautiful acidity and the round component due to the generous body.The very intense finish is very long and remains far beyond the norm in the palate and in the back mouth.