Standout Reds from Marchesi de' Frescobaldi

The Frescobaldi name is as intimately tied to the wines of Tuscany as any in the business. No wonder: They’ve been at it for a mind-boggling 30 generations. Which means that, all other things being equal, their wines tend to perform brilliantly in the best vintages and remarkably well even in the less cooperative ones. The two wines below beautifully demonstrate the range of styles and expressions that reds from Tuscany can take.
Marchesi de’ Frescobaldi Brunello di Montalcino “CastelGiocondo” 2006
There is a seam of flowers on the nose that runs straight down the spine of vivid red cherry, garrigue, and mushroom aromas. On the palate, this is a silky, well-integrated wine, with delicately cocoa-tinged tannins, acid in perfect balance with the cherry and currant fruit, and a finish that speaks of the flowers from the nose. Utterly gorgeous. The 2006 is a silky textured, delicate expression of this particular patch of the planet: Earthy, fruit-expressive, and a pleasure to drink now and over the next 10+ years.
Marchesi de Frescobaldi “Tenuta di Castiglioni” 2008, Toscana
The nose here practically gushes with ripe red fruits--strawberry principal among them--and is joined by red currants and black raspberries. There’s also a hint of smoky chocolate around the edges. On the palate, flavors of leather and tobacco are carried on an elegant texture that, especially on the finish, shows some real tannic depth. It’s well-balanced between the mouthwatering and the sappy, and though it’s drinking well right now, it’ll continue to evolve over the next 5+ years. Cabernet Sauvignon 50%, Merlot 30%, Cabernet Franc 10%, Sangiovese 10%.

[Note: To purchase these wines and others from Frescobaldi, click here.]