Castelgiocondo Lamaione 2021

A still red from Tuscany IGT, 14.5% ABV, produced by Castelgiocondo - Frescobaldi. Blend of 100% Merlot, 0.75 L bottle, 2021 vintage. A wine made from the historic Castelgiocondo estate in Montalcino, where the Frescobaldi family has been producing excellent wines for centuries. The harvest immediately proved particularly good thanks to favorable seasonal conditions. The spring months were characterized by temperate weather, with little rainfall and no thermal stress, which favored good phytosanitary conditions for the grapes. At the end of May, a sudden drop in temperatures occurred, which did not cause any damage, but did lead to a slight slowdown in the phenology of the plant and a higher percentage of unfertilized flowers. This physiological disorder resulted in more sparse (i.e., sparser) and therefore healthier bunches. Temperatures were high in July, while August was cool, with moderate rainfall. This varied temperature regime ensures highly interesting aromatic characteristics, rich in intensity and complexity. Light summer rains ensured the vines had a good supply of water to cope with veraison (the color change). The sunny, cool, and dry days of September and October were particularly favorable for ensuring the grapes possessed all the characteristics necessary to produce high-quality, well-structured wines. The nose is intense, broad, and complex. It opens initially with clear aromas of ripe red berries such as blackberry and plum, followed by aromas of bell pepper and cut hay, sweet notes of vanilla, and a finish of dark chocolate and tobacco. A deep purple red, it is clear and beautifully textured. On the palate, it is an explosion of sensations: warm, soft, and rounded. The tannic texture is dense and silky, well-supported by a strong acidity. The finish is long and persistent.