The Frescobaldi CastelGiocondo Brunello di Montalcino has consistently been one of the most highly acclaimed wines in Italy. 100% Sangiovese, past vintages have received high ratings, including the 1997 vintage, rated as the 8th Best Wine in the World by Wine Spectator. Tasting Notes The eye is immediately drawn to its pronounced ruby red tonality, dense but vividly clear. It exudes expansive, multi-layered aromas, ripe-fruit fragrances of dark cherry and dried plum melding into more pronounced, minerally essences of pencil lead and stone, while suggestions of tobacco leaf seem to bring a sense of balance and completeness. Pulpy fruit comes to the fore in the attack, with tannins that are expressive but not invasive; they ably balance a nice vein of crisp acidity that makes the flavours sing. The long-lingering finale flaunts a rich mosaic of nuanced flavours. Food Pairing Suggestions With a bit of daring, this could be savoured as a vino da meditazione, a sipping wine all on its own. Or certainly in accompaniment to end-of-dinner sweets, such as panforte. And, of course, with beef stews, braised meats with potatoes, cheeses that are aged but not too pungent, and large game, such as boar.