Castiglion del Bosco - Brunello di Montalcino DOCG - 2021

Beautiful 94/100 points Brunello di Montalcino DOCG from the five-star vintage 2021.

Castiglion del Bosco is part of the historic centre of Montalcino (co-founder of the Consorzio, among other things) and produces Brunello from the Capanna vineyard in the northwest of the appellation—an area known for structure, elegance and tension.

Scents & flavorsNose: Ripe (red) berries and cherry, floral hints, peppery spiciness, and a subtle sweet spice note. Palate: Rich yet elegant, with crisp acidity and fine tannins. Expect extra aromatic precision and classic freshness in 2021—a vintage that seems destined for beautiful bottle development. Serving suggestion: 16–18°C, and preferably decant (especially if drinking young).

Vineyard(s): Capanna – planting, location, soil
- Area: approx. 30.5 hectares;
- Elevation: 340–400 meters;
- Exposure: southeast & southwest;
- Planting years: 2003 / 2009;
- Binding: Guyot;
- Plant density: 5,600–6,500 sticks/hectare;
- Soil (typical of Capanna): at the top, a lot of rock/stones with a compact structure; lower down there is more variety and organic material, with marl in the middle part and clayey schist with larger stones lower down the slope.

Harvest year 2021: weather conditions & harvest time:2021 saw relatively cooler spring and summer temperatures (below average) at Castiglion del Bosco, which contributed to the slow development of complex aromas. The summer drought was offset by ample rain in May; thunderstorms followed by cool, sunny weather in late August brought additional finesse and polyphenolic ripening thanks to the large day-night temperature differences (up to ~10°C).

Picking (manual): starts first week of September (younger vines) and ends first week of October in the higher parts of Capanna.

Winemaking process (vinification):Castiglion del Bosco employs a very precise selection process. This includes manual harvesting, additional sorting steps, and slow, natural fermentation (without added yeasts) with extended maceration to extract the "noble" components from the skins. The vinification process is also gravity-fed to ensure the grapes are as gentle as possible. Alcoholic fermentation lasts approximately 18 days at a constant temperature (approx. 28°C).

Maturation- The Brunello matures traditionally, approximately 24 months in large French oak barrels 30–50 hl followed by additional bottle maturation before release

Wine and food pairings
Castiglion del Bosco itself recommends hearty classics like Fiorentina steak, ragù/pasta, and (semi-)matured pecorino. Brunello also pairs wonderfully with: osso buco or braised beef and wild mushroom risotto (porcini), rack of lamb with rosemary-hard cheeses (pecorino, parmigiano).

About Castiglione del Bosco:

The history of Castiglion del Bosco dates back to 1100 AD, amidst armed conflict between prominent Sienese families who settled here. Agriculture has always been a mainstay, as evidenced by the stables, olive groves, farmland, and vineyards. More recently, in 1967, Castiglion del Bosco became a founding member of the Brunello di Montalcino Consortium. Castiglion del Bosco began a new chapter in 2003 when it was transformed by Massimo and Chiara Ferragamo into its current splendor. Castiglion del Bosco has gained worldwide recognition for its excellent wines. In 2022, Castiglion del Bosco began a new chapter in its history with the transfer to an international family office, which will ensure the continuity and development of the entire estate.

94/100 Points James Suckling

A soft and velvety red with plum, walnut, cedar and bark character, as well as orange-peel undertones. It's medium- to full-bodied with a soft, silky texture and a delicious finish. This will age beautifully, but why wait? Drink or hold.