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.
2015 was a textbook vintage in terms of the climate and the exceptional quality of the grapes. July and August were hot and dry, and the soil’s water reserves, which accumulated in the spring, helped to counteract the heat, leading to a superb vintage, which benefitted from day-night temperature swings in September, hence the perfect ripening of the berries. The coolness of the weeks in the run-up to the harvest resulted in the perfect concentration of the aromas and ideal tannic maturation. The handpicked grapes were healthy and integral, boasting small bunches and sparse berries, while the sugar content and acidity were exceptional. The Campo del Drago vineyard parcel was harvested on 29 September, earlier than previous years. The altitude of the vineyard enabled excellent tannic maturation in a complete and varied year. If the wines fully express the potential of the grapes, exceptional quality is guaranteed.
Ruby red in colour with complex aromas of red berries, sour cherry and delicate spice. A Brunello with character and structure with superb acidity and balance. This wine has excellent potential for ageing.
Serve with rich meat dishes, game, roasted meats and strong cheese.
Serve at 16°C.
JamesSuckling.com: 98 POINTS
October 4, 2019, James Suckling
“This is the best Campo del Drago I have ever had. It really shows the unique character of the elevated single vineyard of 1.5 hectares. Black cherries and flowers with hints of sandalwood and tree bark. Always pure and beautiful. Medium to full body. Ultra-fine tannins. Lightly salty character to the cherry and berry flavors. Extremely long and beautiful. Drink after 2021.”
Brunello di Montalcino DOCG
100% Sangiovese Grosso
Natural Cork
14%
Yes
Yes
