exclusive debut
2019 Ripe Al Convento
Brunello RISERVA DOCG | 100% Sangiovese
"On the highest hills of this estate, which was already producing wines in the 1800s, a truly inspiring small Sangiovese vineyard has been identified. Located at an altitude of 450 metres, where it is exposed to the warm afternoon sun, marly soils and bracing Mediterranean winds, this Brunello reserve wine is extremely elegant, characterful and long-lasting."
- Lamberto Frescobaldi
Tenuta CastelGiocondo
Located in Montalcino, Tenuta CastelGiocondo has been in the Frescobaldi family since its purchase in 1989. Vittorio Frescobaldi began working as the estate’s agronomist in 1973, though the history of this ancient stronghold stretches back to the 12th century, when it was built to defend the road from Siena to the sea. The estate has always been a true pioneer in Montalcino and one of the few wineries to produce Sangiovese since the early 1800s; a document attests to a tasting of the 1834 vintage in 1878.
CastelGiocondo means “lovable castle,” and the label shows a fresco painted by Simone Martini depicting a historic attack on the Montemassi castle in 1323. Tenuta CastelGiocondo is a standard-bearer of the appellation and its wines are all about power and longevity. Learn more here.
Brunello Riserva
Ripe al Convento’s name signifies both the ripeness that the Sangiovese grapes are able to achieve and the almost sacred single-vineyard site where they are grown. Sitting on the highest hills of the CastelGiocondo estate at 450 meters above sea level, this small single vineyard is exposed to the warm afternoon sun, marly soils and bracing Mediterranean winds. Aged an extra year in wood, Ripe al Convento is not only a reserve wine by law–it is the ultimate expression of the estate.
Vinification and aging
The vineyard from which the Sangiovese grapes come is located at an altitude of 450 metres above sea level, where the soils are shaly and marly, and south-facing. The grapes were harvested by hand, after firstly being carefully selected in the vineyard. Upon arrival at the winery, they were again checked scrupulously, and each grape was sorted by hand. Fermentation took place in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks with frequent pumping over, especially during the early stages, to obtain a good extraction of the colouring and structural components. The subsequent maturation period in wood helped to obtain excellent stability and heightened aromatic and structural complexity. Ripe al Convento is ready to be placed on the market in the sixth year after the harvest and only following further ageing in the bottle.
Vintage notes
The 2019 season was characterised by a cold and fairly dry winter, with bud break in the first week of April as usual. The spring was rainy during the flowering period, which slowed the fruit set, naturally lowering the productive potential of the plants. The May rains created an important water reserve. The summer was dry, with little rain, but thanks to the water reserve created in the spring, the vines were not distressed. These conditions allowed for regular veraison and excellent ripening, while the cool nights were ideal for developing the aromas and colour. In mid-September, the north wind caused a drop in temperatures. This cool and windy yet sunny season was particularly ideal for the Sangiovese grapes, which were able to complete their maturation with great aromatic and polyphenolic potential. The grapes arrived at harvest time healthy, intact and with the right concentration, certainly a great vintage for Brunello di Castel Giocondo.
Tasting Notes
The 2019 Brunello Reserve Ripe al Convento Sangiovese has a beautiful bright ruby red color. On the nose it presents a varied and complex bouquet, a reflection of the wonderful vintage it speaks of. It opens with both floral and fruity notes, reminiscent of wild rose, violet, blackcurrant, blueberry, and pomegranate. It is wonderfully spicy, with delicate hints that intertwine with an elegant tertiary. Long and persistent on the palate with a dense and well-integrated tannic texture.