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The Frescobaldi family began producing Tuscan wine in 1308 and soon developed a notable client base for its high quality wines. In exchange for exclusive paintings, the Frescobaldis traded their wine with great painters during the Italian Renaissance, including Michelangelo. The family also supplied wine to Henry VIII and have contracts in their family archives signed by the English King. The Frescobaldi winery is still family owned and managed today. The Castel Giocondo estate located in Montalcino near Siena, dates back to the 12th century when the castle was built to protect Siena's avenue to the sea. Frescobaldi acquired the estate, comprised of 815 hectares of which 235 hectares are planted largely with Sangiovese and Merlot, in 1989. With 152 hectares devoted entirely to the production of Brunello di Montalcino, Castel Giocondo is one of the largest and most prestigious estates in the entire Brunello zone.
This wine was chosen by Wine Spectator as a Top 100 Wine of the Year in 2009 landing the #15 spot on the list!
Wine Spectator
Shows a complex nose of blackberry, tanned leather, sandalwood and cedar. Fascinating. Full-bodied, with supersilky tannins and a long, long finish. Concentrated yet balanced. Beautiful and complete. Best after 2011. 17,000 cases made. –JS
Score: 95.
—James Suckling,
April
30,
2009.
Wine Enthusiast
Frescobaldi’s Castelgiocondo estate was named in the on-going Brunello fraud scandal. Despite the legal troubles, this year’s Brunello asserts itself with pride and determination. It seems very different than past vintages because, here, the focus is on feminine aromas of honey, maple syrup, sweet cassis and candied fruit.
Score: 90.
—Monica Larner,
June
01,
2009.
Wine Advocate
The 2004 Brunello di Montalcino is a big, super-ripe wine bursting with fruit. This deep, concentrated Brunello is incredibly fresh and vibrant. Although the sweet tannins make the wine very accessible at this stage, readers in search of a more complex drinking experience will want to give this Brunello a few years in bottle. The 2004 Brunello from Castelgiocondo is a lovely effort from the Frescobaldi family and one of the finest vintages to be produced at the property. Anticipated maturity: 2011-2022.
Score: 90.
—Antonio Galloni,
June
2009.
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