Purchased by Massimo Ferragamo in 2003, Castiglion del Bosco, after major investment in the vineyards and winery, has been restored to its position as a leading Montalcino estate. The estate, with 62 hectares of vineyards (51 of which are permitted for Brunello production) is located in the Val d’Orcia National Park, a UNESCO site, to the north west of Montalcino, near Buonconvento. Locally trained oenologist, Cecilia Leoneschi, who has been working at the winery since 2003 oversees the vineyards and the cellar.
The grapes for this single vineyard Brunello are sourced from a 1.5 hectare plot at the top of the hill is known as ‘Campo del Drago’. The vines are planted at a density of 4,500 vines per hectare and are Guyot trained. The vineyard is located at 460 metres, facing south/south west towards the Tyrrhenian coast, from which arrives a constant breeze that reduces humidity. The soil is ‘Galestro’ formed of layers of sandstone and clay, which is rich in limestone giving finesse, aromatics and complexity to the wines and the potential to age.
The grapes are hand-picked and whole bunches are pressed. The wine is fermented in stainless steel at 28° for 20 days. After fermentation, the juice is matured in French barriques, 25% new and 75% first and second passage, for 24 months before bottling. After bottling, the wine spends a further 24 months in bottle before release.
The grapes were harvested during the first 10 days of October.
A garnet-flecked ruby red, a true expression of Sangiovese with sour cherries and some notes of sweet spice. Layers of complexity, tobacco box and leather combine to make a refined wine with lots of character. Finishes long.
Serve with rich meat dishes, game, roasted meats and strong cheese.
Serve at 16°C.
92 points James Suckling Feb 2014
Brunello di Montalcino DOCG
100% Sangiovese Grosso
Natural cork
14%
1.07 g/l
5.78 g/l
