FRESCOBALDI, CASTELGIOCONDO BRUNELLO DI MONTALCINO
TUSCANY, ITALY 2019+2020
Why Buy: As the 2020 Brunellos begin their much-anticipated arrival to market, we've managed to secure an even older gem — the 2019 Ripe al Convento Brunello Riserva, an “exceptional” wine, in the estimation of Jeb Dunnuck, that has "the bones to age over the coming 20 years.” In this bottling, we find the Frescobaldi family — 700 hundred years into its tenure, and blessed with some of the greatest winemaking facilities in the world — producing at its most joyful and meticulous. The excellent 2020 CastelGiocondo Brunello further demonstrates why Frescobaldi stands as one of those rare estates for which you almost don't need to consult a vintage chart — the quality and consistency are simply there, year after year, like clockwork.
What They're Saying: Jeb Dunnuck declared the 2019 Brunello Di Montalcino Riserva Vigna Ripe Al Convento an "exceptional and fresh Riserva with the bones to age over the coming 20 years," singling out, in his 96-point review, its "energetic and refreshing acidity," its "well-defined, angular tannins," and its "mouthwatering, salty accents." That quality of vivifying acidity appears, as well, in James Suckling's review of the CastelGiocondo Brunello 2020, which he also praised for its "soft and velvety" character and its "definition and savoriness."
Our Tasting Notes: The Ripe al Convento Riserva 2019 impresses immediately with its remarkable balance of power and finesse – a wine that flexes its muscles without feeling the need to tear its metaphorical shirt. The depth and textural complexity on display here is striking, and can only come from exceptional fruit and patient cellar work. Above all, there's a seriousness to this wine, a gravitational pull that draws you back to the glass repeatedly, each time discovering some new facet. By comparison, the CastelGiocondo Brunello 2020 shows the bright promise of youth — more immediately approachable with its fresh aromatics of wild cherry, Mediterranean herbs, and subtle spice. Here the mineral freshness provides a wonderful counterpoint to the concentrated fruit, creating an elegant balance that makes the wine altogether enjoyable now while portending an excellent evolution ahead.
The Story: To understand the story of Tuscan wine, you simply have to understand Frescobaldi. With a winemaking heritage spanning more than seven centuries, the family has established itself as the reference producer of Tuscan fine wines. Their flagship estate, Tenuta CastelGiocondo, sits on the southwestern slope of Montalcino at elevations ranging from 600 to 1,200 feet, blessed with complex soil blends and perfect sun exposure. This enviable terroir is treated with religious reverence – all harvesting here is done by hand, fermentation takes place in stainless steel tanks at controlled temperature, and every decision serves to preserve the exceptional purity and character of the grapes. The varied exposure and terrain of the CastelGiocondo vineyards yield exquisitely layered and nuanced Brunellos that showcase precisely why the region has developed a reputation as one of Tuscany's best.
Fun Fact: Throughout the Renaissance, the Frescobaldis were important patrons of the arts, and, as their website boasts, counted Donatello and Brunelleschi as “clients."
Our Guarantee: We always buy and source directly from the estate, so rest assured: your wines will arrive in your hands with pristine provenance. Order yours today!
*Offer NOT valid in-store. This offer is made pre-arrival, with wines estimated to be delivered to your preferred store in Summer 2025. All sale prices are the lowest available at Total Wine & More and ONLY valid through Concierge Sales. No further discounts or coupons may be applied. Offer not valid in KS, MI, NE, NY, OK & TN. This offer is for TWO WEEKS, or until sold out, and will expire on Sunday, March 23rd, 2025.