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 oak casks (30-50hl) and barriques for 24 months before bottling. The wine spends a further 12 months in bottle before release.
Both winter and spring were mild in 2016, contributing to early budding, and remarkable vegetation for the vines. Summer was cool and mild, therefore ripening process was slower and very balanced. This excellent vintage shows ripe tannins, rich colors, and very good acidity. Harvest started slightly earlier than usual, but it was completed in mid-October, which is typical in the best and most celebrated vintages of Montalcino. The ripeness of the grapes brought great balance, and we can expect rich wines with outstanding elegance.
The harvesting of grapes to make Brunello di Montalcino began on 19 September, earlier than previous years. The variety of soils and altitude of the vineyards enabled an excellent blending of the grapes vaunting different qualities.
“Brunello 2016 is a wine of great finesse and elegance. Complex and rich on the nose, where notes of small red fruit are immediately perceived with hints of aromatic herbs, including thyme and bay leaf. in the mouth it is fruity, with notes of plum, the finish has an interesting acid note and gives the wine a remarkable balance, elegant and persistent. Wine meant for long ageing.” Cecilia Leoneschi
Excellent with stews, roasted meats and cheese.
Serve at 16°C.
“The complexity and beauty to this is really something with cherry, walnut, tobacco and cigar-box character. Sweet cherries. It’s full-bodied and deep with super intensity and power. Layered and beautiful. Really refined tannins. Some whole-berry fermentation gives this added character. Goes on for minutes. Try after 2025.” 99 Points – James Suckling
Brunello di Montalcino DOCG
100% Sangiovese Grosso
Natural Cork
14%
Yes
Yes
