Description
The 1986 Marchesi Frescobaldi CastelGiocondo ‘Campo ai Sassi’ Rosso di Montalcino is a historic vintage of the estate’s secondary label, often referred to as the “younger brother” to their flagship Brunello di Montalcino. While Rosso di Montalcino is typically intended for early consumption (within 5–10 years), high-quality examples from the 1986 vintage may still offer a complex, mature experience for collectors of tertiary Italian wines.
Wine Profile
- Estate: Produced at Tenuta CastelGiocondo, a historic stronghold in southwest Montalcino that was one of the first four estates to produce Brunello in the 1800s.
- Grape Variety: 100% Sangiovese.
- Style: Traditionally bold and structured, but designed to be more accessible and less tannic than Brunello.
- Vinification: Macerated for roughly 16 days, followed by 12 months of ageing, part of which occurs in Slavonian oak barrels.
Vintage & Maturity (1986)- Vintage Quality: 1986 was a very good year for Tuscan reds, characterized by a cool spring followed by a warm, dry harvest period.
- Current State: At 40 years old, this Rosso is well beyond its intended youthful peak. If well-stored, expect deep tertiary notes such as dried cherry, leather, tobacco, and earthy balsam.
- Serving Tip: Due to its age, the wine will likely have significant sediment. Stand the bottle upright for 12–24 hours before opening and consider a gentle decant just before pouring.
