Wine: Marchesi de Frescobaldi Montesodi Grape: Sangiovese Region: Tuscany, Italy Vintage: 1993 There is action a-plenty at the wine estates of the Marchesi de Frescobaldi. Although the Frescobaldis have been making wines since the 12th century there is considerable innovation now taking place.
The recent successful launch of a merlot, Lamaione, has been followed by a joint venture with Robert Mondavi of the Napa Valley. The Ultra Premium wine, a blend of sangiovese and merlot, is named Luce, meaning light in Italian. The wine is not yet available in Hong Kong.
My favourite wine from Frescobaldi is Montesodi, their individual vineyard Chianti Rufina.
Montesodi is always a good yardstick for chianti. It exhibits superb cherry fruits, has good depth, concentration and length.
The 1993 vintage, while not outstanding, is nevertheless the best since 1990 and Frescobaldi have done an excellent job with this wine.
It is typical of a top chianti and will continue to provide pleasure for a few more years. Try it with osso bucco.