Review: Wines of Frescobaldi, 2024 Releases
We’re longtime fans and devotees of Frescobaldi, one of Tuscany’s premiere winemaking families. Today we are fortunate to cover a quintet of wines from the storied operation, including a white blend, three Chianti Classicos, and a Vino Nobile di Montepulciano — offering a broad look at the various styles coming out of the winery. Let’s dive in.
2022 Frescobaldi Pomino Bianco DOC – This classic Tuscan blend of chardonnay and pinot bianco is loaded with creamy notes of gooseberry, vanilla ice cream, and sesame oil, all of which provide a juicy underbelly against which notes of tart green apple, some pear, and lemon curd all emerge. Things take a right turn and the wine becomes sharper and cleansing in the late game, with mixed floral elements becoming more prominent on the finish — particularly as the wine warms up a bit. A classic Tuscan white at a solid price. A- / $20
2020 Frescobaldi Tenuta Perano Chianti Classico DOCG – Chianti Classico doesn’t get much more approachable and personable than this, a lush, cherry-soaked wine that finds room for secondary flavors of cinnamon, anise, and ground ginger. Lightly chocolatey on the finish, with light tannins that dance across the tongue to finish things up. Ready to drink today, and a massive steal at this price. (2021 vintage is pictured, but 2020 was tasted.) A- / $20
2018 Frescobaldi Tenuta Perano Chianti Classico Riserva DOCG – Distinctly darker in color, this Riserva bottling of the above wine cuts a darker flavor profile too. Mint and chocolate dominate, sending the baking spices to the back seat — present, but less of a force to reckon with. Dark black raspberry notes and some cola provide the fruit-focused core, but the overall wine is more tannic and gritty despite its nearly 6 years of age, with a stronger licorice note coming to the fore on the finish. Designed for more hearty fare than the comparatively easygoing 2020 standard bottling. Different, but just as good. A- / $35
2018 Frescobaldi Tenuta Perano Rialzi Chianti Classico Gran Selezione DOCG – As bold as you’re imagining but still flush with dark fruit notes, this intense wine sees Chianti Classico at the top of its game. Cherry and blackberry notes spar with well-integrated anise, very dark chocolate, and spicy tobacco elements, while a modestly tannic backbone keeps the sweeter elements in check. A finish of cola adds a light layer of spice and a chewy quality that prevents the wine from falling into a brooding abyss. Pair it with a steak, or drink it with marinara pasta. Works either way. A / $50
2019 Frescobaldi Tenuta Calimaia Vino Nobile di Montepulciano DOCG – A balanced and spicy little number from Montepulciano’s sangiovese grapes. Tart and loaded with up-front cherry notes, the balsamic qualities of the wine eventually take hold and grip the palate on all sides, never giving way thereafter. Notes of orange and some grapefruit peel begin to emerge as the finish builds, followed by a dusting of black pepper and graphite and a pinch of racy paprika. Harder edged than the Chiantis reviewed above, the wine excels with the appropriate food pairing. Oddly, it did wonders with a spicy bowl of Asian flavors. B+ / $40
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