In the glass

Full-bodiedFirm tanninHigh acidityDryLong finish

Aroma: black cherry, graphite, violet, sweet cedar

Palate: dark plum, iron, polished oak, wild herbs

Merlot-Sangiovese Toscana IGT from the historical Castiglioni estate, the Frescobaldi family's flagship Bordeaux-blend Super Tuscan.

What it pairs with

  • Beef short rib stew
    Merlot-Sangiovese plushness for braised beef.
  • Bistecca alla fiorentina Find bistecca alla fiorentina on TableJourney →
    Mid-weight Super Tuscan for a T-bone.
  • Aged Pecorino with truffle honey
    Sweet umami and the wine's cedar.

How to serve Castiglioni Giramonte

Allow 95 minutes from open to pour.

  1. Open and decant. Open 90 minutes before serving and pour into a decanter to aerate.
  2. Serve at 16-18°C. Cellar temperature (16-18°C) is the band for this style. Warmer pushes alcohol forward; colder dampens aromatics.
  3. Glassware. Use a large Bordeaux-style glass: the bowl shape rewards the wine's structure.
  4. Pair with. Beef short rib stew, Bistecca alla fiorentina, Aged Pecorino with truffle honey. Match the wine's structure to the dish's fat and salt.

History

Giramonte launched 1999 as a Merlot-led Super Tuscan from the Frescobaldi family's oldest estate, Tenuta di Castiglioni at Montespertoli (Frescobaldi-owned since the 11th century).

  1. 1999 — First Giramonte vintage

Facts

Producer
Frescobaldi Tenuta di Castiglioni
Grapes
Merlot (60%), Sangiovese (40%)
Classification
Toscana IGT
Oak
18 months in French oak barriques
ABV
14.0%
Price
EUR 50 to 80 at retail
Drinking window
5 to 18 from vintage
First vintage
1999

Scores

  • Wine Advocate 95 (2019 vintage, reviewed 2022)
  • Vinous 93 (2018 vintage, reviewed 2021)

Frequently asked about Castiglioni Giramonte

What does Castiglioni Giramonte taste like?

On the nose, black cherry, graphite, violet, sweet cedar. On the palate, dark plum, iron, polished oak, wild herbs. Structurally full-bodied, firm tannins, high acidity with a long finish. Merlot-Sangiovese Toscana IGT from the historical Castiglioni estate, the Frescobaldi family's flagship Bordeaux-blend Super Tuscan.

When should I drink Castiglioni Giramonte?

Drink 5 to 18 from vintage. Young vintages benefit from 30-90 minutes of decanting; mature bottles should be handled carefully for sediment.

What food pairs with Castiglioni Giramonte?

Beef short rib stew is the canonical pairing. Other strong matches include Bistecca alla fiorentina and Aged Pecorino with truffle honey. Merlot-Sangiovese plushness for braised beef.

What grapes are in Castiglioni Giramonte?

The blend is Merlot (60%), Sangiovese (40%). The wine is classified as Toscana IGT.

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