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.
Rosso Gauggiole Cru is a young, refreshing sangiovese. It is the cherry-pick of grapes from different parcels of one single vineyard and it is the highest expression of the area’s potential, emphasizing the finesse that Castiglion del Bosco strives to bestow upon its finest wines. The name derives from the location of the vineyards, historically titled after the farmstead of the same name. Soils in this are fresh and not overly clayey, and the northeast exposure mitigates the power and heat that are typical of vineyards.
Harvest of Rosso Gauggiole 2018 took place during the third week of September. Grapes underwent a first selection in the vineyard, where the cluster were handpicked into 15kg boxes, and then a second one on the sorting table. Fermentation took place at controlled temperature. The wine started the vinification in stainless steel tanks for 6 months and then continued in concrete tanks for 18 months to preserve the primary aromas that the vineyard itself enhances. These choices have led to a wine that communicates a fresh and crisp fruitiness. After bottling, the wine aged a further 4 months prior to release.
The 2018 vintage has been a challenge for everyone, both man and vines. The fresh and rainy spring made the plants vegetation very intense. The management of the green required a lot of attention and work to allow the plant to have the necessary vegetative balance. These weather conditions continued during the first part of summer, which was characterised by cool days and heavy rains. The end of summer was hot and dry and allowed a good maturation, even if slightly earlier than the usual. Grapes showed excellent acidity and rather low sugar content, perfect for the more fresh and vibrant wines.
The 2018 vintage was characterised by abundant rainfall during the spring, above the average. Rosso Gauggiole 2018 expresses the characteristics due to this particular climate, underlining the olfactory matrix that the selection of vineyards in the Gauggiole area gives us. It has clear and fragrant aromas with citrus note and hints of violet. In the mouth it is characterized by a vibrant acidity that enhances the body and its smooth round tannins.
Pairing the new Rosso di Montalcino Gauggiole with chargrilled chicken and roasted vegetables perfectly summarizes the balancing act between the meat’s protein and the edginess of the wine.
Serve at 16°C.
Rosso di Montalcino DOC
100% Sangiovese Grosso
Natural Cork
Yes
Yes
