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 are grown in the ‘Capanna’ vineyard, which covers 42 hectares and is planted a density of 4,500-5,600 vines per hectare. The vines are spur pruned, cordon trained and Guyot. The vineyard is located at 350-450 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 18 days. After fermentation, the juice is matured in French barriques, 20% new and 80% first and second passage, for 24 months before bottling. After bottling, the wine spends a further 12 months in bottle before release.
After a very rainy and cold winter, the vegetative phase began with a slight delay, due to temperatures below the seasonal average that persisted into early summer. Cool and rainy spring and summer brought good vegetative growth. A spike in temperature took place in late August and September, which resulted in even phenolic maturation of the bunches.
Harvest started on September 18th in the lower altitude vineyards and finished on October 7th in the higher altitude plots.
Vibrant ruby in colour with a juicy red cherry and ripe berry character with layers of sweet spices. Silky mouthfeel and a full body, ripe tannins with a very long, lingering finish.
Serve with rich meat dishes, game, roasted meats and strong cheese.
Serve at 16°C.
JamesSuckling.com: 94 POINTS
November 27, 2017, James Suckling
“The rose petal and cherry character really come through. Full body, layered and spicy. Orange peel. Flavorful finish. Shows structure and intensity. I love the texture. Drink in 2019.”
Vinous Media: 94 POINTS
April 3, 2018, Ian d’Agata
“Luminous medium-dark red. The captivating nose combines sour red cherry, violet, coconut, tobacco, minerals and a hint of white pepper. Densely packed and youthful but very fresh and lively; this already boasts a silky texture and considerable early appeal owing to its noteworthy sweetness of fruit. Subtle notes of red berries, herbs, graphite and flowers carry through into the rising, very long, vibrant finish. A knockout Brunello that further confirms winemaker Cecilia Leoneschi’s talent at making exceptionally good, very classic Brunellos. I can think of very few wines in all of Italy that have improved more than Castiglion del Bosco’s over the last decade. Well done.”
Brunello di Montalcino DOCG
100% Sangiovese Grosso
Natural Cork
Yes
Yes
