Marchesi de' Frescobaldi:
Castelgiocondo - The Happy Castle

The word Castelgiocondo can be translated as "The Happy Castle" or "The Smiling Castle", which we have always found an odd name for a Medieval fortress, what with boiling oil being poured over the ramparts onto attackers below. We later learned that legend has it that is estate is where The Mona Lisa was painted, hence the name.

Castelgiocondo is the Frescobaldi's estate in the Brunello di Montalcino DOCG. Erected in 1100AD to defend the road between the port of Talamone and the town Siena, the castle was acquired by the Frescobaldi's in 1989, after having farmed it for nearly two decades.

The estate is situated on the seaside alluvial deposit of Montalcino at an altitude of 750 to 1350 feet and is ideally suited for the Sangiovese and Merlot planted there. Four wines are produced here at Castelgiocondo: Brunello di Montalcino Riserva, Brunello di Montalcino, Campo ai Sassi Rosso di Montalcino and Lamaione IGT. It is difficult to imagine a finer line-up of wines.

The past decade has been good to Castelgiocondo as the Frescobaldi's improvements to the estate are now paying off. Vintage after vintage, these are wines for opening now to understand them, but will reward long-term cellaring.

The 2004 Campo ai Sassi Rosso di Montalcino DOC is from young vines on the estate and is simply delicious. A great wine to drink while you wait for your Brunello di Montalcinos and Riservas to age in the cellar.

With wines like these coming from this castle, we're happy, too.

Learn more about Marchesi de' Frescobaldi's other wineries: Castiglioni, Castello di Pomino, Nipozzano, and Remole.