Ripe al Convento Riserva 2020 and CastelGiocondo 2021 Debut in International Markets, Offering Authentic Expressions of Montalcino
February 24, 2026 (Montalcino, Italy) — Marchesi Frescobaldi introduces CastelGiocondo Brunello di Montalcino 2021 and the Riserva Vigneto Ripe al Convento 2020 from its historic Montalcino estate, now available in international markets and ready for tasting.
Two complementary expressions of an extraordinary terroir, both wines convey their authentic character through elegance, depth and remarkable ageing potential. Drawn from a viticultural landscape marked by geological and climatic diversity, each wine reflects the many nuanced characteristics of this unique territory. The estate holds a key position within the Montalcino appellation, distinguished by its range of soils and microclimates, which lend complexity and finesse to the wines.
Since 1989, the Frescobaldi family has interpreted this estate through a vision that brings together historical knowledge, technological innovation and precise agronomy, enhancing Sangiovese in its many expressions. The diversity of soils—galestro, clay and Pliocene yellow sands— together with predominantly south-western exposures and an average altitude of around 300 metres above sea level, contributes to wines that combine structure, elegance and ageing potential.
Within this context, CastelGiocondo and Ripe al Convento take shape as two expressions of the same territory. CastelGiocondo Brunello di Montalcino offers a broad, multifaceted portrait, while Ripe al Convento, the estate’s cru, represents its most focused, profound and age-worthy expression. Having completed their respective maturation periods, the two wines are now available internationally.
CastelGiocondo 2021 | Brunello di Montalcino DOCG
The 2021 vintage was shaped by dynamic weather conditions: a mild, rainy winter led to slightly early budbreak, followed by a sudden drop in spring temperatures that slowed vine growth. A warm, dry summer, marked by significant diurnal temperature variation, ensured healthy grapes at optimal ripeness.
Following careful selection, fermentation took place in temperature-controlled stainless-steel tanks, with frequent pump-overs in the early stages. Ageing in oak, followed by bottle refinement, allowed the wine to achieve balance and harmony.
In the glass, CastelGiocondo 2021 shows a bright ruby hue. The nose opens with floral notes of violet and wild roses, followed by wild berries.
The spice profile is refined and gradual, with hints of star anise and pepper, while tertiary notes evoke tea, tobacco and coffee, finishing with subtle balsamic notes of liquorice. On the palate, the wine is fresh and enveloping, supported by well-integrated tannins and a long, balanced finish.
Ripe al Convento 2020 | Brunello di Montalcino Riserva DOCG
Ripe al Convento originates from a historic parcel located in the highest part of the estate, at 450 metres above sea level, where Sangiovese benefits from particularly favourable conditions to develop concentration, elegance and energy.
The 2020 vintage saw relatively low winter rainfall; however, water reserves accumulated in late 2019 enabled the vines to withstand a warm, dry summer, reaching full phenolic ripeness. Hand harvesting, followed by rigorous selection in the cellar, preceded fermentation in stainless steel, followed by extended oak ageing and further bottle ageing prior to release.
Ripe al Convento 2020 presents a clear, bright ruby colour with slight garnet reflections. The bouquet is deep and layered: small red and black fruits—currant, blueberry and morello cherry—interweave with floral notes, evolving towards elegant tertiary aromas of tobacco, leather and sweet spices such as white pepper and nutmeg. On the palate, the wine shows structure and harmony, with firm, velvety tannins and a long, persistent finish.
About Marchesi Frescobaldi
Marchesi Frescobaldi’s mission is to understand and promote distinctive terroirs, contributing to their becoming inseparable components of the culture of Toscana. The thousand years of Frescobaldi family history constitute an unmatchable treasure of experience, knowledge, and traditions that have made it the embodiment of Toscana’s very soul, and the visible expression of its extraordinary vocation for viticulture and of the fascinating variety of its production areas. Marchesi Frescobaldi’s nine wine estates are: Castello Pomino (Pomino), Castello Nipozzano (Nipozzano), Tenuta Perano (Gaiole in Chianti), Tenuta Castiglioni (Montespertoli), Tenuta CastelGiocondo (Montalcino), Tenuta Ammiraglia (Magliano in Toscana), Remole (Sieci), Tenuta Calimaia (Montepulciano), and Gorgona. Located in growing areas of Tuscany long famed for production of extremely high-quality DOC, DOCG, and IGT wines, each estate stands out for its individual soils, environment, and history; Ornellaia and Masseto in Bolgheri, Tenuta Luce in Montalcino, Domaine Roy & Fils in Oregon and Attems in the Collio are the four other estates of the Marchesi Frescobaldi Group.
