2015 Castelgiocondo (Marchesi de' Frescobaldi) Brunello di Montalcino

I tasted this wine next to Frescobaldi's Chianti Classico Gran Selezione from their Tenuta Perano, and the differences between that wine and this are enormous. The 2015 Brunello di Montalcino CastelGiocondo takes us to the southern side of Tuscany, and despite the fact the grape used in both wines is the same (Sangiovese), these two wine are as different as day and night. This Brunello gives you more saturated color intensity, more substantial weight and density that you feel on all the senses. Its extraction is much thicker, and the bouquet opens to aromas of plummy dark fruit, black currant, tobacco and spice. That ample width and power make this a good choice next to a grilled T-bone steak.

The 2015 Castelgiocondo Brunello di Montalcino comes together slowly in the glass, requiring a bit of coaxing in its currently-youthful state, opening up to reveal dusty dried florals, pretty strawberry, and crushed stone minerality. Ripe red fruits and spice race across the palate, yet firm up relatively fast, with zesty acids and minerals framing the experience. The finish is long and structured, showing the 2015’s tannic heft, as ripe fruits give way to dried berry and mineral tones.

Tasted blind. Lustrous mid ruby. Firm cherry nose with sweet undertones. Firm, yet ripe and generous fruit on the palate. Solid and long. (WS)