Today we share the story of the Frescobaldi family, whose Tuscany heritage dates back seven hundred years, beginning in the early 1300s. Their impact in Florence was built upon controlling key guilds, notably the Arte della Lana (wool guild), the Arte di Calimala (guild of foreign cloth merchants and finishers), and the Cambio (money exchange).
The Frescobaldi family began producing Tuscan wine in 1308 and quickly established an esteemed clientele. An intriguing historical detail from 1308 includes a documented exchange where Michelangelo Buonarroti traded his artwork for Frescobaldi wine. Additionally, the Frescobaldis supplied wine to King Henry VIII of England; surviving contracts in the family archives bear the English king's signature.
Lamberto Frescobaldi is now the 30th generation at the helm. In 2016, he was elected Vice President of Unione Italiana Vini, Italy's leading federation of winemakers, becoming its President in 2022. His house produces a range of wines including Brunello di Montalciino and Chianti Classico. I really enjoyed these wines, particularly the 2020 Frescobaldi ‘Castel Giocondo’ Brunello di Montalcino (OB, 93) which is a warm vintage Brunello that is drinking marvelously right now. Learn more about this storied house at https://www.frescobaldi.com/en/history and here are my reviews on the new Frescobaldi wines.
2020 Frescobaldi ‘Castel Giocondo’ Brunello di Montalcino- The outstanding 2020 Frescobaldi ‘Castel Giocondo’ Brunello di Montalcino is a great showing now at the six year mark. Once on the nose this takes on layers of thyme and red currants that mingle well with clay soils and shades of red licorice. The palate is ripe and rich with a terrific mouthfeel and wonderful concentration of dense red fruits. Drink 2026-2038- 93
2019 Frescobaldi ‘Ripe Al Convento’ Brunello di Montalcino Riserva- The 2019 Frescobaldi ‘Ripe Al Convento’ Brunello di Montalcino Riserva shows off sandalwood and exotic spice aromatics that parade with rich red and dark fruits with shades of mocha. The palate is rich and viscous with a dense mouthfeel and great concentration of fig, kirsch and red currant flavors that mingle well with copious stony minerals on the palate. Drink 2026-2043- 94
2024 Frescobaldi Castiglioni Chianti- This 2024 Chianti offers red florals that combine with tart red fruits on the nose. The palate is soft and inviting with good minerality. Drink 2026-2031- 89
2021 Frescobaldi ‘Castello Nipozzano’ Chianti Rufina- The 2022 ‘Castello Nipozzano’ Chianti Rufina offers wild mushrooms, dried herbs and tart red fruits that collide with shades of coffee grounds on the palate. Nicely-textured, with great freshness, enjoy over the next six plus years. Drink 2026-2032- 91
2021 Frescobaldi ‘Tenuta Perano’ Chianti Classico Riserva- The really good 2021 Frescobaldi ‘Tenuta Perano’ Chianti Classico Riserva offers roasted figs and milk chocolate on the nose alongside suggestions of dark florals. The palate is velvety and soft with terrific grip and refinement. A stunning ‘Riserva’ this is already nicely evolved from this warm vintage. Drink 2026-2038- 93