At a glance

Producer

Marchesi de Frescobaldi

Region

Tuscany, Italy

Grape variety

Sangiovese

Wine type

Red

Body

Full-bodied and Bold

Sweetness

Dry

Typical price

$60-$80

Tasting profile

Dense dark cherry, black plum fruit with hints of leather, earth, tobacco and cedar oak

Evolution: Will gain complexity showing forest floor, dried herbs, and spices over 5-8 years

At peak: Lush black fruit layered with well-integrated oak, silky tannins, and vibrant acidity creating depth and length

Structure

Acidity

High acidity providing freshness and aging backbone

Tannins

Firm and gripping with good fine grain

Alcohol

14.0%

Aging potential

Excellent aging potential of 15+ years due to tannin structure, concentration and acidity

Drinking window

Peak drinking

2027 to 2050

Optimal window

2024 to 2053

Current status

Approaching early maturity with development starting to reveal complexity

Current condition

Structured tannins firm but integrated, vibrant acidity, concentrated fruit

The Tuscany 2018 vintage was very good, offering generous ripe fruit balanced by freshness and tannins. Montesodi is a top cuvée of Frescobaldi with ample concentration and structure for extended aging. The 2018 has textbook architecture and acidity that will enable 12-15 years cellar ageing, with the best drinking window in the mid to late 2020s into the early 2030s.

Food pairing

Pairs well with rich Tuscan dishes such as roasted game, grilled steak, braised beef, aged pecorino cheese, and mushroom risotto.

Serving

Serving temperature

16-18°C / 61-64°F

Decant

Yes (1-2 hours) — To soften firm tannins and allow the layered aromatics to open up

Sustainability

Sustainability score: 7/10

The producer emphasizes water conservation, soil health, reduced chemical inputs, and commitment to renewable energy projects at estate level. Packaging uses recycled materials in part.

Marchesi de Frescobaldi incorporates sustainable farming methods to promote biodiversity and soil vitality. While not fully organic or biodynamic wine, their approach aligns with moderate sustainability through resource-efficient vineyard management and progressively greener winery facility practices. Transport emissions moderate given international export.