Frescobaldi - Tenuta di Nipozzano : Montesodi 2018

Tasting characteristics and advice for the 2018 Montesodi from Frescobaldi - Tenuta di Nipozzano

Tasting

Color

The wine displays a bright, clear ruby-red hue, enhanced by garnet highlights at the rim, reflecting fine phenolic ripeness.

Nose

The bouquet reveals remarkable aromatic complexity. Floral notes of violet and wild rose intertwine with red-fruit aromas, notably strawberry and cherry. Balsamic and licorice nuances add depth, while spicy hints of clove and black pepper round out the whole. A distinctive metallic note underscores the terroir’s characteristic minerality.

Palate

On the palate, the wine charms with the elegance and silky finesse of its tannins. The balance between lively freshness and tannic structure is striking. Minerality from the schist soils comes through with intensity, lending a saline texture and a stony dimension on the palate. The finish stands out for its exceptional length and lingering spicy aromas of clove and black pepper.

Food and wine pairings

This 2018 Montesodi pairs ideally with grilled or roasted red meats, notably bistecca alla fiorentina, kid goat, and roast lamb. It also matches well with pasta dishes with game sauces and aged hard cheeses.

Serving and cellaring

It is recommended to serve the 2018 Montesodi between 16°C and 18°C. Decanting for 30 to 60 minutes before serving will allow the wine to fully раскрыveal its aromatic range.

An outstanding Sangiovese from the mountainous terroir of Chianti Rufina

The estate

Founded in the early 1300s, Marchesi de' Frescobaldi is one of Europe’s oldest wine dynasties, now led by Lamberto Frescobaldi, who embodies the family’s 30th generation. Based in Tuscany, the family owns eight main estates, including the prestigious Castello Nipozzano in Chianti Rufina. Since the Middle Ages, Frescobaldi wines were supplied to the Court of England and the Papal Court. A pioneer in introducing international grape varieties to Tuscany as early as 1855, the family combines centuries-old tradition with viticultural innovation. The Nipozzano estate, built in the year 1000, watches over its 280 hectares of vines, representing around 20% of Chianti Rufina’s total production.

The vineyard

The Montesodi vineyard lies at 400 meters above sea level in the Chianti Rufina area, east of Florence, at the foot of the Apennines. This geographic position brings a continental climate marked by significant day-to-night temperature swings, heightened by alpine breezes descending from the mountains. The soils are dominated by schist, contributing the estate’s hallmark minerality and freshness. The optimal southwest exposure and amphitheater-like layout encourage generous sunshine while preserving natural airflow. Planting density reaches 5,850 vines per hectare, trained in Guyot. The average vine age is around 20 years.

The vintage

The 2018 vintage in Chianti Rufina began with a cold winter punctuated by rain and snow, followed by a spring alternating sunny days and heavy showers that replenished soil water reserves. Summer saw high temperatures, before torrential rains in mid-August brought welcome relief. Temperature variations in September fostered aromatic development while preserving freshness and acidity. The harvest delivered finely concentrated grapes, combining lovely ripeness with remarkable freshness.

Vinification and aging

The grapes for the 2018 Montesodi were harvested by hand in 15-kilogram crates. Upon arrival at the winery, a rigorous berry-by-berry selection was carried out on the sorting table. Fermentation proceeded steadily, followed immediately by malolactic fermentation after racking. This reductive approach, favored by winemaker Lorenzo Portaro, aims to preserve freshness and aging potential. The wine was then aged for 18 months in 30-hectoliter Austrian and French casks, followed by several additional months of bottle aging.

Grape variety

100% Sangiovese