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.
2011 was distinguished by an advance of about 15 days of vegetative growth due to warmer than average winter temperatures. The beginning of summer was cool and rainy, which maintained a good water reserve in the soil, leading to balance in the vineyard. The high temperatures in late summer slowed vegetative growth and the grapes accumulated excellent levels of sugar. The harvest was long, beginning earlier than usual, ending in mid-October.
The organic growing conditions enhance the expression of the Capanna vineyard in this complex, elegant wine. Garnet-flecked and ruby red, this is a classic Brunello with aromas of berry fruit and cigar box.
Serve with rich meat dishes, game, roasted meats and strong cheese.
Serve at 16°C.
Brunello di Montalcino DOCG
100% Sangiovese Grosso
Natural Cork
