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 entire vinification process is carried out in Castiglion del Bosco’s cellar, completely gravity-fed. The grapes are quality selected in the vineyards first, then the clusters travel to sorting tables where trained eyes make a further selection of the finest fruit. Fermentation starts with natural yeasts only. Once completed, the wines are transferred to French oak in a spacious, climate-controlled cellar that is partially underground. Alcoholic fermentation lasts for 18 days. After malolactic fermentation, the Brunello is transferred to French oak barriques (20% new oak barrels, 80% first and second passage barriques). Aged for 24 months in french oak barrels and 24 months in bottle before being released in the fifth year after the harvest.
The hot and dry summer of the 2017 vintage certainly characterized the ripening of the grapes. Compared to other areas of the denomination Castiglion del Bosco was distinguished with varied rains at the beginning of September. This mitigated the summer heat slowed the phenolic ripening especially in the upper part of Capanna. It also allowed to avoid the risk of over-ripening and helped maintaining a good acid level. At Castiglion del Bosco, similar to the rest of the appellation, the harvest began earlier than usual. The 2017 harvest was marked by quality thanks to the great selection in the vineyard.
“Brunello 2017 has certainly enjoyed the benefits of a careful selection in the parcels (including the Millecento vineyard). The wine has a wide nose. It maintains crisp fruit and floral notes. In the mouth it is elegant, complete and supported by an excellent acidity.” Cecilia Leoneschi
Excellent with stews, roasted meats and cheese.
Serve at 16°C.
“Aromas of ripe berries and plums with some flowers and nutmeg follow through to a full body with round tannins and a juicy finish. Chewy, but friendly and succulent. Excellent 2017, despite the dry growing season. Better in a year or two.” 94 Points – James Suckling
“The Castiglion del Bosco project is a dream created by Massimo Ferragamo of Italy’s celebrated leather and fashion family. The property includes a state-of-the-art winery and a luxury hotel. The 2017 Brunello di Montalcino unfolds to reveal textbook aromas of black fruit and ripe cherry. For sure, the wine embraces a soft and contemporary personality with a good amount of fruit weight, oak spice and tannins. It registers 15% alcohol. The warm 2017 vintage brings out the softer, richer side of this Sangiovese from galestro soils.” 92 Points – The Wine Advocate, Monica Larner
“The 2017 Brunello di Montalcino pulls you close with a bouquet of crushed ashen stone and dusty dried roses giving way to bright cherries complemented by a flourish of sour citrus. It floods the palate with silken waves of ripe red and black fruits over a savory, salty core of minerals and brisk acids that keeps the expression surprisingly fresh. It’s persistent and concentrated, yet the harmonious structural build should carry the 2017 over medium-term cellaring. Castiglion del Bosco did a fantastic job finding balance in this difficult vintage. Of note is that this was tasted from the same bottle a full 48 hours later, and only improved.” 93 points – Vinous Media, Eric Guido
Brunello di Montalcino DOCG
100% Sangiovese Grosso
Natural Cork
Yes
Yes
