Five from important Tuscan producer Frescobaldi
Website: https://www.frescobaldi.com/en/
Frescobaldi is a noted Tuscan producer with nine wineries in the province, making a wide range of wines. Here are five that I tasted.
Frescobaldi Benficio Riserva Castello Pomino Bianca 2022 DOC Pomino, Tuscany, Italy
13.5% alcohol. The Benefizio vineyard is at 700 m, facing south, with sandy soils, and is planted to Chardonnay. The grapes are whole bunch pressed and then clean juice is barrel fermented (half new) with partial malolactic. This is quite a serious expression of Chardonnay – it’s not a powerful wine, but has a core of fine citrus, peach and pear fruit, with a nice sense of restraint. Very expressive with a hint of aniseed and well judged oak influence. Polished and balanced. 92/100
Frescobaldi Castel Giaconda Brunello di Montalcino 2019 Tuscany, Italy
14.5% alcohol. Vibrant, spicy and vivid with a juicy quality on the palate, which shows red berries, some raspberry crunch, and is stony and savoury with hints of cedar and sour cherry, as well as a twist of damson bitterness. Tangy and bright with good acidity, bringing together fresh fruit and a savoury quality, with potential for ageing. 93/100
Frescobaldi Nipozzano Riserva 2021 Chianti Rufina, Tuscany, Italy
13.5% alcohol. There’s a stony edge to the black cherry and blackberry fruit with nice focus to the fruit. This combines fruit intensity with a savour, wet stone edge, and notes of cherry and almond. Nicely expressive, with a firmness to the finish. 91/100
Frescobaldi Tenuta Perano Rialzi Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Gaiole 2020 Italy
14% alcohol. There’s some sweet creamy oak on the nose but there’s also lots of sweet berry fruit character with a hint of tar. In the mouth this has some woody character under the sleek, concentrated cherry and berry fruits with a nice bright acid line and a sour cherry finish, and a hint of charcoal on the finish. Very sophisticated with lovely fruit intensity, but give this time for the oak to integrate. One for the cellar. 94/100
Frescobaldi Alìe Ammiraglia Rosé 2023 Toscana IGT, Italy
12% alcohol. Pale in colour, this has a lively nose of grapefruit, watermelon and cherry. It’s light and delicate in the mouth with flavours of plums and pears, with a touch of lemon and mandarin on the finish. A really fine, delicate rosé with freshness on the finish. 90/100
