Marchesi de’ Frescobaldi is the brand name of a large group of Tuscan wine estates owned by the Frescobaldi family. The family traces its history to 13th-century Florentine cloth merchants. The Frescobaldi family was heavily involved with the politics and economics of Florence. In the 14th century they also became international bankers and winemakers. Today the family owns nearly 5,000 acres of vineyards throughout Tuscany and produces about 9 million bottles of wine annually.
I had recently had the good fortune to sample some of the wineries new releases.
2012 Pomino Bianco Benefizio Riserva DOC – Gold in color. 13% ABV. 100% Chardonnay from 42 year old vines. Stone fruits, honey and marzipan on the nose. Rich and oily on the palate with great acidity. Flavors of peach, lemon and tart green apples. Gorgeous finish. Drink over the next 2-4 years. Suggested retail price of $45. My rating: 91 points.
2011 Mormoreto Toscana IGT – Dark crimson in color. 14.5% ABV. 64% Cabernet Sauvignon, 26% Cabernet Franc, 5% Petit Verdot and 5% Merlot. Blue fruits, mint, graphite and iodine on the nose. Silky and sleek with medium acidity. Blueberries, cherries and currants on the palate. Big, gritty tannins on an extended finish. Drink over the next 5-7 years. Suggested retail price of $79. My rating: 91 points.
2009 Ripe Al Convento Di Castelgiocondo Brunello di Montalcino Riserva DOCG – Crimson in color. 15% ABV. 100% Sangiovese. Asphalt, cedar, leather and red fruits on the nose. Medium body with super acidity. Powerful and complex. Cherries, plums and iron on the palate. Substantial tannins on an exceptional finish. Lovely wine. Drink over the next 6-8 years. Suggested retail price of $140. My rating: 94 points.
2011 Giramonte Toscana IGT – Purple in color. 14.5% ABV. A blend of Merlot and Sangiovese. Great big nose of red fruits, tar and white pepper. Full bodied with medium acidity. Plush and hedonistic on the palate. Flavors of cherry, blueberry, coffee and cocoa. Silky tannins on a long finsh. Drink over the next 4-6 years. Suggested retail price of $150. My rating: 94 points.
What a great set of exceptionally well made wines. The pricing is aggressive but you won’t be disappointed by what is in the glass.
Thanks as always to the team at Colangelo PR for including me in the tasting and providing samples.
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