In the glass
Aroma: dried cherry, leather, graphite, balsamic
Palate: dried plum, iron, tobacco, wild herbs
CastelGiocondo's flagship Riserva from the Ripe al Convento parcel, library-released after long oak ageing.
What it pairs with
-
Roast venison
Game and library-bottle complexity. -
Truffle-shaved pheasant
Library Brunello and white truffle. -
Aged Parmigiano Reggiano
Crystalline cheese amplifies depth.
How to serve CastelGiocondo Ripe al Convento Riserva
Allow 95 minutes from open to pour.
- Open and decant. Open 90 minutes before serving and pour into a decanter to aerate.
- Serve at 16-18°C. Cellar temperature (16-18°C) is the band for this style. Warmer pushes alcohol forward; colder dampens aromatics.
- Glassware. Use a large Bordeaux-style glass: the bowl shape rewards the wine's structure.
- Pair with. Roast venison, Truffle-shaved pheasant, Aged Parmigiano Reggiano. Match the wine's structure to the dish's fat and salt.
History
Single-vineyard Brunello Riserva from the Ripe al Convento parcel at CastelGiocondo, first vintage 1993 and released only in top years.
- 1993 — First Ripe al Convento Riserva
Facts
- Producer
- Frescobaldi CastelGiocondo
- Grapes
- Sangiovese Grosso (100%)
- Classification
- Brunello di Montalcino DOCG Riserva
- Oak
- 36 months in French and Slavonian oak
- ABV
- 14.0%
- Price
- EUR 100 to 160 at retail
- Drinking window
- 12 to 30 from vintage
- First vintage
- 1993
Scores
- Wine Advocate 96 (2015 vintage, reviewed 2022)
Frequently asked about CastelGiocondo Ripe al Convento Riserva
What does CastelGiocondo Ripe al Convento Riserva taste like?
On the nose, dried cherry, leather, graphite, balsamic. On the palate, dried plum, iron, tobacco, wild herbs. Structurally full-bodied, firm tannins, high acidity with a long finish. CastelGiocondo's flagship Riserva from the Ripe al Convento parcel, library-released after long oak ageing.
When should I drink CastelGiocondo Ripe al Convento Riserva?
Drink 12 to 30 from vintage. Young vintages benefit from 30-90 minutes of decanting; mature bottles should be handled carefully for sediment.
What food pairs with CastelGiocondo Ripe al Convento Riserva?
Roast venison is the canonical pairing. Other strong matches include Truffle-shaved pheasant and Aged Parmigiano Reggiano. Game and library-bottle complexity.
What grapes are in CastelGiocondo Ripe al Convento Riserva?
The blend is Sangiovese Grosso (100%). The wine is classified as Brunello di Montalcino DOCG Riserva.