Castiglion del Bosco Campo del Drago Brunello

Montalcino, Italy

Vintage:2021 (Pending)

2019 (Past) | 2020 (Current) |

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Castiglion del Bosco Campo del Drago Brunello 2021

Overview

Castiglion del Bosco is one of the most prominent producers in Montalcino, both for the history of the estate and for its size, with 5,000 acres unchanged in the last 400 years. In 1967, when the Consorzio del Brunello di Montalcino was born, Castiglion del Bosco was one of its 25 founding members. This extraordinary property whose origin dates back to the 12th century is located northwest of Montalcino.

Campo del Drago, a single-vineyard Brunello, originates from the highest and rockiest plot of the Capanna vineyard, a 3.5 acre parcel at 450 meters above sea level. The name comes from the shape of the moat that bounds its perimeter, whose shape, in the eyes of the farmers, resembled that of a dragon's tail. The first vintage of this wine is from 1999. Displaying a noble personality and structure, with bold fruits and smooth tannins that characterize the most artfully aged Brunello di Montalcino wines.

Winemaking

The entire vinification process is gravity-fed and carried out in Castiglion del Bosco’s cellar. The grapes are hand-sorted in the vineyards, then the clusters travel to sorting tables where trained eyes make a further selection of the finest fruit. Fermentation is slow and natural, without the aid of added yeasts. Maceration continues beyond the end of fermentation allowing the release of noble components from the skins. Once completed, the wines are transferred to French oak in a spacious, climate-controlled cellar. Alcoholic fermentation lasts for 18 days at a constant temperature of 82.4°F. After malolactic fermentation, the Brunello is transferred to French oak barriques (20% new oak barrels, 80% first and second passage barriques). Aged for 24 months in french oak barrels, followed by aging in unglazed cement conical vats.

Tasting Notes

Deep ruby red in color. On the nose, it reveals delicate citrus notes alongside hints of dark chocolate and dried fruit, harmoniously interwoven with hints of undergrowth, adding complexity without heaviness. Bold and straightforward, this wine offers a full and enveloping sip, supported by vibrant tannins that ensure its longevity, while a pleasant freshness accompanies the finish, lending balance and persistence. 

Harvest Notes

The 2021 vintage was marked by temperatures below average in spring and summer. The summer drought was well compensated by copious rains in May, which allowed the plants to maintain a good state of hydration. Summer was abruptly interrupted in late August with afternoon thunderstorms for a few days followed by a cool and sunner period. 

Food Pairing

Excellent with red meats and game.

Technical Information

Varietals: 100% Sangiovese

Wine Alcohol: 14.5%

pH: 3.40

Harvest Start Date: September 30, 2021

Soil Composition: Galestro