Reviews & Ratings
2018 Frescobaldi Italian (Tuscany) Red "CastelGiocondo Brunello di Montalcino"
Winery: Frescobaldi
Vintage: 2018
Wine Name/Vineyard: "CastelGiocondo Brunello di Montalcino"
Wine Category: Italian (Tuscany) Red
Grape blend: 100% Sangiovese
Bottle size: 750 ml
Region: Tuscany
State or country: Italy
Price: $70
Cases produced: 27,500
KWG Score: 92.3 (based on 7 reviews)
Ken's Wine Rating: Very Good+ (92.5)
Review date: November 26, 2024
Wine Review: This light red colored Brunello di Montalcino opens with a light shoe leather and mild red cherry bouquet. On the palate, this wine is medium bodied with integrated medium acidity. The mouthfeel is balanced, smooth, and very approachable. The flavor profile is a mild red cherry and mild tea blend notes of gentle cedar and black plum. I also detected hints of red licorice. The finish is dry, and its flavors, acidity and well-managed refined tannins fade away nicely. This Brunello paired perfectly with my chicken parmigiana. Enjoy – Ken
3/11/24 - This brilliant ruby colored Brunello di Montalcino from Frescobaldi is very good. It opens with an inviting black cherry and cedar bouquet. On the palate, this wine is full bodied with moderate plus acidity. The mouthfeel is nicely balanced, smooth, seamless, and easy to drink. The flavor profile is a tasty slightly tart cherry and cedar plank blend with notes of graphite and red plum. I also detected hints of cinnamon and oolong tea. The finish is dry, and its moderate dusty tannins linger and last for quite some time. I would pair this very versatile and approachable Brunello with Granda's lasagna. Enjoy - Ken
Winemaker Notes: The 2018 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 black currant 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 licorice. 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 makes it particularly balanced.
Buy it: Use 1000 Corks to find stores that sell CastelGiocondo 2018 Brunello di Montalcino.
