Castelgiocondo is Frescobaldi's historic estate in the Montalcino DOCG, acquired in 1989 and now comprising approximately 300 hectares on the cooler, southwestern slope of the Montalcino hill. As one of Brunello's largest single properties, Castelgiocondo draws from 20 to 30 individual plots to compose its blend, producing around 300,000 bottles annually, making it one of the most commercially significant Brunello releases each year.

Brunello di Montalcino is 100% Sangiovese Grosso, aged for a minimum of five years before release, including at least two years in oak. At Castelgiocondo, the wine rests in a combination of used barriques and large Slavonian oak casks for approximately three years, then continues to develop in bottle. The southwestern slope of Montalcino, warmer than the northern and eastern exposures, tends to produce wines of ripe fruit and generous body.

The 2021 vintage is widely regarded as one of the finest in Brunello history: a warm, dry growing season with ideal diurnal temperature variation produced wines of exceptional concentration and natural balance. Multiple major critics have scored this release in the low-to-mid nineties, with James Suckling awarding 95 points, reflecting the quality advantage the vintage confers across all of Montalcino. Best drinking is projected from 2028 to 2047.

Pair with Florentine steak, wild boar ragu, braised oxtail or aged Pecorino. Decant generously for two to three hours before serving; this wine will reward cellaring for at least six to eight years and has excellent long-term potential.

Deep ruby with some purple hues. The nose unfolds with red cherry, crushed raspberry, incense, dried rose petal and a spicy warmth of pepper and star anise. The palate is elegant and medium-full in body, with tantalising acidity, fine-grained tannins and a long, mineral-inflected finish with a citrus edge. Built firmly for the cellar.

Very attractive aromas of red cherries, mushrooms and flowers; firm, integrated tannins. — James Suckling 

Black cherry and black currant with iron and wild herbs; balanced and vibrant, built for ageing. — Wine Spectator