Name: Castelgiocondo (Frescobaldi) Brunello di Montalcino 2014 750ml
Brand: Castelgiocondo (Frescobaldi)
SKU: 877210
Price: 71.95 USD
Availability: InStock
Rating: 91.5 (6 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.

WE 93pts

Wine Enthusiast

Aromas of woodland berry, damp soil, new leather and crushed thyme form the nose along with a whiff of iris. Linear and elegant, the polished palate evokes juicy red cherry, pomegranate, licorice and a hint of coffee alongside fine-grained tannins and vibrant acidity. It's already approachable but also offers good mid-term aging. Drink 2020–2026.

JS 92pts

James Suckling

Chewy and tannic for a 2014, but there’s sweet fruit underneath with citrus and floral brightness. Medium body. Flavorful finish. Go-to Brunello. Drink or hold.

DC 92pts

Decanter

Cherry, spice, plum and smoky aromas. Super texture and freshness on the palate with well-judged oak and fine, firm tannins. Long, mineral finish. (Silver) - DWWA 2019

WA 91pts

Wine Advocate

The 2014 Brunello di Montalcino (with 300,000 bottles made) hits a sweet spot. It's not too intense, nor is it too weak. Hitting that balance was not easy for many producers across the appellation, especially in a vintage that threw as many curve balls as this one. This wine offers measured fruit, measured intensity and tannins that are firm but also accessible. Given the large bottle production here, this is a good go-to Brunello for those who want to taste the vintage, but who don't want to get bogged down by anything more complicated.

VM 91pts

Vinous Media

Luminous red. Fresh aromas of redcurrant, tea leaf, underbrush, minerals and blood orange. Then juicy and bright with a midweight mouthfeel and flavors similar to the aromas. Finishes vibrant and very pure. A lovely Brunello in the light style that is typical of 2014; well done. I'd drink this up sooner than later, but I love its combination of early drinking pleasure and food-flexibility; in fact, this will make an outstanding restaurant wine by the glass choice.

WS 90pts

Wine Spectator

High-strung, offering floral, strawberry, cherry and mineral flavors stretched tightly on a linear frame. Shows intensity and harmony, along with a finely etched structure, ending with a long aftertaste of fruit, mineral and spice. Best from 2021 through 2040. 15,833 cases made.

Winery Notes

The CastelGiocondo is an intense shade of ruby red. CastelGiocondo is always set apart by its elegance, and in this vintage, this characteristic is more marked than ever. The fruity notes, the first to hit our olfactory receptors, are dominated by blueberry and blackberry, flanked by blackcurrant and other berries. They are followed by floral hints of violet and dog rose, which are always found in the bouquet of the best Brunello di Montalcino. Next on the nose are clear spicy notes of black pepper and cardamom, chased by a pleasant aroma of liquorice. On the palate, the tannins are dense but not harsh, accompanied by delicate mineral notes. The consistency between the nose and palate and the long and persistent finish make it particularly balanced.

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