Castiglion del Bosco Brunello di Montalcino Wine Tasting in Florence

Picture yourself at an exclusive wine tasting of beautiful Brunello di Montalcino wines from the Montalcino region of Italy. Paired with estate made charcuterie and an acacia honey, your tastebuds will remember this day long after you take your last bite. And for this private tasting of Castiglion del Bosco wines, you don’t need to travel far. Because the Castiglion del Bosco wine tasting is in the heart of Florence, in a comfortable and modern space right off of the Ponte Santa Trinita on the Arno river. And not only is the Castiglion del Bosco wine lounge conveniently located,  but this wine tasting experience is the most unique and specialized tasting that I have ever experienced.  From our charming and knowledgeable host, to the beautiful Brunello di Montalcino wines, to the fact that my father joined me! This all made the experience even more memorable. Keep reading to learn more. 

In this article, I’ll tell you about my introduction to Castiglion del Bosco wines in Chicago. Then we’ll head to Italy! Where I’ll tell you all about my Classic Wine Tasting Experience at the Wine Lounge in Florence. Along the way, I’ll discuss Brunello wines. The rules of Brunello, and the philosophy of Castiglion del Bosco. I will also intertwine personal stories and wine tasting tips, all while discussing the beautiful wines that my Dad and I tasted at the wine lounge. My hope is to educate, and hopefully inspire your next trip to Italy! Or perhaps your next trip to pick up a bottle of wine.

The Classic wine tasting at the Castiglion del Bosco Wine Lounge 

For the Classic Wine tasting in Florence at the Castiglion del Bosco Wine Lounge, you will experience the beautiful Brunello di Montalcino wines of Castiglion del Bosco in a private setting with a warm, friendly, and informative host that is an expert in Castiglion del Bosco wine and hospitality.  You will also be served a selection of charcuterie. This includes 2 beautiful cheeses, estate made salami, olive oil, and acacia honey that is so special! I had to bring one back home to Chicago.  

Why should you book a wine tasting at the Castiglion del Bosco Wine Lounge?

Before I jump in to the details of the wine lounge and the beautiful wines of Castiglion del Bosco. Let me tell you why you should reserve a classic wine tasting at the Castiglion del Bosco Wine Lounge in Florence for your next trip to Italy.

• If you love wine and Italy. I recommend booking a wine tasting at the Castiglion del Bosco wine lounge.  The wines will wow your palate, and will have you choosing new favorites with every glass that Gianmario pours for you.  This is exactly what happened to my Dad!  Every glass of Brunello was his new favorite.  The wines just kept getting better and better!
• If you are looking to try the very best wine in Italy.  Brunello di Montalcino wines are truly the creme de la creme of not only wines in Italy, but arguably wine all over the world.   
• Wine is emotional. This wine tasting will make you feel more connected to the wine and make the experience of drinking the Brunello di Montalcino more enlightening and the taste more profound. Wine is emotional, after all. 
• The wine tasting will enhance your knowledge. Whether you want to feel more comfortable ordering wine at a restaurant, or you are a winemaker like my Dad who already knows a lot about wine but is looking to expand his knowledge.  This tasting is for you.

Inspiration for you next trip to Italy: The winery, estate, and hotel

• This wine tasting will inspire you to visit the Castiglion del Bosco winery, estate, and Rosewood hotel.   Many people struggle to figure out where to go on vacation.  This wine tasting will have you making plans to visit Montalcino for your next Italian holiday!  
• A luxury and highly exclusive experience. Looking for a luxury and highly exclusive experience in Florence?  The wine lounge checks all the boxes. Whether it’s a girl’s trip, an adult family outing, or a couple of couples looking to enjoy a wine tasting in between the Uffizi and dinner.  Gianmario and the wine lounge will give you an experience to remember. 
• A memorable wine tasting in the heart of Florence. The Castiglion del Bosco Wine Lounge is the perfect way to add a memorable wine tasting of the highest quality to your Florence itinerary without spending an entire day driving through the Tuscan Countryside.  
• A wine experience above the norm. Have you already experienced a wine tasting in the Tuscan Countryside?  I promise you, that this tasting is in a completely different category. If you are looking for a new wine experience? This is it.

Other Noteworthy Experiences with Castiglion del Bosco

Not only does Castiglion del Bosco offer a beautiful Brunello di Montalcino wine tasting in the heart of Florence, but they have other experiences in the city that promise to be both memorable and extraordinary.

There are numerous Wine Tastings offered at the Wine Lounge. They are available most days at 11:00AM, 2:00PM, and 4:00PM.  From the Classic Brunello di Montalcino Wine Tasting that my Dad and I experienced, to a wine and cheese pairing, wine and spirits, wine and chocolate, or the Super Tuscan vertical. You have many options to fit your tastes and passions.

Castiglion del Bosco also offers a few noteworthy experiences that I would love to try the next time I’m in Florence.  There’s The Alchemy of Perfume, (in collaboration with Profumoir Firenze). This is a scent-focused wine tasting that ends with guests creating a perfume to take home.

Back to the Roots, (in collaboration with Codex49 Rosso). This is an experience that pairs Traditional Tuscan dishes with a personal chef. Dishes are paired with Castiglion del Bosco wines, in a historic library. Italian guests can also request family-history research.

And finally, the Gourmet Experience (in collaboration with Lungarno Events). This is a multi-course meal by the Michelin-starred chef of Borgo San Jacopo Restaurant. Each dish is paired with a Castiglion del Bosco wine.

For more information and to make your reservation, email winelounge@castigliondelbosco.com

The Castiglion del Bosco Rosewood Hotel, Golf Course, Winery and Estate

Next time I’m in Italy, I would love to stay at the Castiglion del Bosco Rosewood Hotel! It has always been a dream of mine to to spend time at a winery beyond a wine tasting. From golf, to their spa, to the winery, to a rich history! This 5 star luxury estate truly has it all. I hope to see you there!

Who is Castiglion del Bosco?

Castiglion del Bosco, or the “Castle in the woods,”  is a winery and estate located in famed wine region of Montalcino, Italy. Montalcino is both a town, and a wine region.  The estate was founded in 1100 A.D. and is located near Siena in the region of Tuscany.  They have an estate, a luxurious Rosewood hotel and golf course, and a wine lounge in Florence.  

Castiglion del Bosco is known for their prestigious Brunello di Montalcino wines, although their winery makes other delightful wines as well.  If you are new to Brunello di Montalcino wines like I was, keep reading because this article may just inspire you to head over to your nearest wine shop for a bottle of Brunello di Montalcino. Or better yet!  Book a trip to Florence and Montalcino.    

The Castle in the Woods

High up on a hilltop in Montalcino you will find a Castle within the forest.  Not only does being surrounded by nature high up on a hill sound absolutely dreamy and serene. But this position naturally creates the most ideal setting for growing Sangiovese grapes.  

Here the forest shields the vines from harsh winds and temperatures, and allows the grapes to thrive.  And while the woods create a beautiful environment for both the grapes AND the estate.  I believe the magic lies in the soil which was blessed with the influences of an extinct volcano. I’ll talk more about this later. But first, let’s talk about why you should book a wine tasting at the wine lounge the next time you are in Florence.  

A Father-Daughter Wine Tasting

My Dad and I are the perfect examples of who should book a tasting at the wine lounge. My Dad and I not only enjoy drinking wine, but we love talking about all of the details that surround it as well. Wine is both an art form and a science. My Dad makes his own wine at home. He is so passionate about not only the wine, but the process. Wine is an adventure in every glass. Because each sip tells a story. From the country and region it’s from. To the grape varietal. To what you’re eating…and who you’re with. It all matters.

There is something so exciting about not knowing what wine will taste like every time you open a bottle and take a sip. The anticipation and the searching for the words to describe what I’m tasting…these are the things I love the most.

And for this tasting in Florence, a city that my Dad and I love so much! I couldn’t help but feel so lucky to have this experience with him along with Gianmario. We were able to explore Brunello di Montalcino wines in a way that was creative, analytical, and just so gosh darn fun. I’ll never forget it.

Castiglion del Bosco in Chicago- where our story begins

Before I introduce you to Gianmario, and the Castiglion Del Bosco wine lounge in Florence, our story will actually begin in Chicago.  The city I call home. It was a rainy Wednesday when I wandered into an Italian restaurant called Il Carciofo to meet a friend.  When I arrived, I was introduced to Edoardo of Castiglion Del Bosco. He was hosting a special wine tasting at the restaurant.

The Castiglion del Bosco Brunello di Montalcino 2015: The Black Label

I decided to begin with a glass of Castiglion del Bosco 2015 Brunello di Montalcino. As I took a sip, my personal history with Italian wines flashed before my eyes. This wine…wow.  Had I ever had a Brunello di Montalcino before? There’s no way I hadn’t.  But that sip was making me question my own memory. 

So then, the question became this. Had I ever had an Italian wine as impressive as this one?  It was silky smooth with a lovely balance of spice and earthiness with dark fruits. Brunello di Montalcino wine is exceptional by definition, and this specific Brunello was a 2015, which made it even more elite.  

I didn’t know a lot about Brunello di Montalcino at the time,  but even then I knew that when a red wine has aged for over 10 years? It’s going to be anything other than ordinary.  So as my friend and I sipped and swirled and chatted about our recent travels, I was transported to Italy one blissful sip at a time.  

What is Brunello di Montalcino wine?  

A Brunello di Montalcino wine must go on a long journey before it can technically become a Brunello.  Brunello means “little brown” and  must age for at least 5 years with at least 2 of those years aging in oak barrels.  Brunello di Montalcino must also be made from 100% Sangiovese grapes that are grown in the Montalcino DOCG zone.  

The Castiglion del Bosco Brunello di Montalcino 2020: The Black Label

For my next glass, I decided to give the 2020 Castiglion del Bosco Brunello di Montalcino a try. To my delight, this wine was also excellent. This wine was jammier- with younger fruits, and a lovely complexity of spicy and aromatic notes.  

This wine was already making me so curious.  Here I was enjoying 2 different glasses of Brunello that were made 5 years apart.  Both absolutely stunning, yet they both had such unique characteristics.  How was that possible?

Edoardo must have seen my eyes light up and the questions swirling in my mind, as I was doing the same to my wine! Because it was at this moment that he walked over.  And so I asked him how he would describe the Brunello, and I was so curious to know more about the winery.  This wine was clearly on a different level. so I asked him. What makes the wines of Castiglion del Bosco so outstanding?  

What makes the Wines of Castiglion del Bosco so special?

And after spending time with Gianmario in Florence at the Castiglion del Bosco Wine Lounge, Edoardo‘s answer now makes so much more sense to me. He didn’t necessarily tell me what makes the wine so special, but instead he showed me.

And what he showed me was a video that explained the place where the Castiglion del Bosco Brunello di Montalcino grapes are grown.  I always knew that where the vines were planted was important. However, I didn’t truly grasp the gravity until after our wine tasting in Florence.  For Castiglion del Bosco, the orientation of the grapes, and the location of the vines, is at the heart of the story. And the narrator? Well, let’s just say that Mother Nature is the star of the show, with the Castiglion del Bosco team guiding her every step of the way.

The Philosophy of Castiglion del Bosco

And this brings us to the philosophy of Castiglion del Bosco. They embrace the environment in a way that feels like the most beautiful partnership. They also understand that when Sangiovese grapes are grown on different soil, different conditions, and different orientations, something magical happens. The grapes develop their own unique personality- even though they are all grapes of the same Sangiovese varietal.  

But they don’t just sit and watch Mother Nature do her thing. They use all of their senses to learn and evolve along with nature year after year. Castiglion del Bosco has also learned that integrating beneficial plants between the vines. Like rosemary, lavender, fava beans and even rose bushes, are beneficial for the vines and the soil.

The Bees of the estate

Castiglion del Bosco also has beehives on their estate and produce different types of honey. This includes the acacia honey that was so delicious that I purchased a jar to bring home! However, the role of the bees on the estate goes far deeper than just making honey.

The bees are beneficial to the overall health of the ecosystem in ways that aren’t immediately obvious, but please trust me. Because the moment you sip their Brunello wine and enjoy the acacia honey drizzled over the pecorino cheese you will understand. This is just another brilliant way that Castiglion del Bosco lets nature help itself.

Mother Nature’s Symphony

All of this ultimately gives The Castiglion del Bosco Brunello wine a complexity that few can rival.   This agricultural symphony truly moves together in perfect harmony, with every section playing its role perfectly, including the Maestro! That would be Castiglion del Bosco. They don’t force Mother Nature and her beautiful symphony to be anything they don’t want to be.  But instead, Castiglion del Bosco has harnessed the power and finesse of nature while nurturing her with a steady and grateful hand.

The magic is in the soil

The Castiglion del Bosco estate is near 3 rivers, with the vineyards planted along the slopes of the 3rd highest altitude in Montalcino. As I mentioned before, Castiglion del Bosco is not only located in a forest, but it’s also near the the site of an extinct volcano. All of these factors: The different altitudes, orientations, the proximity to water, the forest, and the volcanic history of the area greatly impact the soil and the climate of the estate.

You see, the soil of the estate changes depending on where you are. The lower in altitude you are, the more clay you will find in the soil. Clay makes it easy for the vines to stay hydrated because it holds on to the water. The higher you are in altitude, you will find a rockier soil. This makes it harder for the vines to find water, which is surprisingly a good thing. The vines in the rockier soil at the higher altitudes produce grapes that are elite.

Gianmario explained it so perfectly. The harder the grapes need to work to grow? The more exceptional they will become. A profound life lesson for us all, isn’t it?

Now, let’s go to Florence to enjoy a beautiful Brunello or two, shall we?

Florence, Italy

Florence, Italy is a city that will entertain all of your senses, and more importantly all of your passions.  From the charming cobblestone streets to the food. To the art and architecture- like Michelangelo’s David that was created in early 1500. I could wander the streets of Florence all day long.  Because Florence is not only a beautiful city, but it has a story that is nothing short of extraordinary.  

But after spending time admiring the statues of the Piazza della Signoria and strolling past the great Duomo. I always find myself in great need of enjoying another piece that makes Florence, and Italy so great.   The wine!

Heading to Florence? One of the writers at Dutchbloggeronthemove lives there! Here you can read all about Jessika’s 2-day Florence Itinerary

Wine Tasting in Florence vs. The Tuscan Countryside

But, where can you go to taste great wine if you are in Florence?  I always thought that I had to go into the Tuscan countryside to experience a wine tasting while in Florence.  But after my chance encounter with Edoardo of Castiglion del Bosco in Chicago?  I discovered a way to open up the window to Tuscan culture without leaving the heart of Florence.   

The Castiglion del Bosco Wine Lounge in Florence

On a hot summer day in July, my Dad and I arrived in Florence after taking a 30 minute train ride from our villa in Reggello. We were staying at the villa for a week with the rest of our family. From the Florence Central Train Station we walked about 15 minutes to the Castiglion del Bosco Wine Lounge which was located on the Arno River at the Ponte Santa Trinita.  One bridge away from the Ponte Vecchio.  

Once we got close, the lounge took us a moment to find.  The entrance was rather discreet- marked only by a small plaque.  This fit the vibe of the wine lounge to a T, because this tasting was by appointment only. Private and exclusive, styled just for me and my Dad, but can be reserved for up to 6 people.  

A Modern and Comfortable Space: Wine Tasting in Florence

We entered the lounge to find a modern and comfortable space.  To the right, all of the beautiful wines of Castiglion del Bosco were on display. To the left, a cozy fireplace.  And in the middle of the room, a long, very grand table was already set with glasses for our tasting.

And then we met Gianmario, our host and the Castiglion del Bosco wine expert of the Florence wine Lounge. He made us feel welcome immediately and by the time we got situated I felt like we were sitting down to a wine tasting with an old friend.

When my Dad and I sat down, we found wine glasses, and a Castiglion del Bosco note card.  It had our names, and the date written on it  for a special touch.  Next to it?  A freshly sharpened pencil.  I do love taking notes at a wine tasting so I can keep track of my favorite bottles, and the tasting notes that really speak to me and my tastebuds.  

Our Host and Wine Expert at the Castiglion del Bosco Wine Lounge

Gianmario was the perfect host, and his knowledge was incredible.  His ability to take the conversation from details of the vineyards to the types of soil that each grape are grown in was remarkable.  And he made it so approachable! As a teacher, I must tip my hat to Gianmario for his ability to make a wine tasting feel so fresh.  I had never experienced a wine tasting like this one.

 The Castiglion del Bosco wine tasting in Florence with Gianmario was both fascinating and so much fun. We had such an enjoyable and joyful conversation! There is nothing quite like learning and laughing while drinking really great wine.

I left with so much new knowledge about the different types of soils that grapes are grown in, and why the placement of where the grapes are growing impacts the wine in such a significant way.

Why is this important?

But Julie, you may be asking yourself-why is this important for me to know?  Well, there are a few reasons.  Please bear with me.  First of all, the more you know about the story of a winery, you will feel more connected to it.  This will make the experience more special. Wine is after all, emotional! And the emotional connection will then open you up to the wine in a way that will make it even more delicious. Where you drink it, who you drink it with, and how connected you feel to the bottle and the winery really does matters.  

So to be in Florence with my Dad, drinking the first-class wines of Castiglion del Bosco with Gianmario as our guide not only enhanced my knowledge. But I am certain that Brunello di Montalcino will forever make me smile.  The wine by itself is incredible.  But paired with a private wine tasting in Florence, this was an experience in Italy that every lover of wine and travel should have. 

Now, let’s talk about the wines that my Dad and I enjoyed at the wine lounge.   

The Wine we drank at the Castiglion del Bosco Wine Lounge in Florence

The Undici Wine 2023

In Italian, Undici means 11. A number that is symbolic in many ways. First off, it honors the 11 terraces of the Castiglion del Bosco estate, but 11 is also a number that stands for strength, power and spiritual insight. White wine is not typical for Montalcino, so when the first vintage came out in 2020, they wanted their first white wine to make a bold statement.

The Undici is made from the Incrocio Manzoni grape, which is a hybrid of Riesling and Pinot Blanc. The vines for the Undici white wine were planted in 2016, which makes this wine very young with a promising future! When a vine matures it brings a complexity to the grape which will enhances the wine. This wine also ages for 6 months in ceramic barrels- versus stainless steel which Gianmario explained as isolation for the wine.

The Undici white wine was crisp with a refreshing acidity, a salty minerality, and a floral aromatic expression. The expression of the Undici wine ultimately comes from the Riesling-Pinot Blanc hybrid, the oxygen that naturally comes through the ceramic barrels, and the soil of the Undici wine vineyard.

Gianmario explained that Undici pairs very nicely with Umami flavors. Including mussels, caviar, and bottarga- which is a salted fish roe that Sardinia is famous for. To my delight, he also recommended enjoying the wine with a Caprese salad- my favorite summertime dish.

The Gauggiole Rosso di Montalcino 2023

Another wine that’s perfect for the summertime is the Gauggiole Rosso di Montalcino. While this wine is made from 100% Sangiovese grapes and grown on the Castiglion del Bosco estate, this wine does not age for 5 years like the Brunello. Instead, this Rosso di Montalcino ages for 6 months in stainless steel followed by 18 months in concrete. Notice the lack of wood barrels in this scenario, which makes a big difference to the taste.

The Gauggiole- named for an ancient farmhouse on the estate- is a light, easy drinking red wine. I love how Gianmario explained that this wine does not linger, but instead disappears quickly in the mouth which gives it a relaxed quality that makes me want to drink it outside on a summer night during golden hour.

My Dad then explained how he enjoys different wines for different moments. Sometimes, he wants to enjoy a complex wine that is enhanced by the meal he’s having, or makes him really ponder what he’s drinking. Other times, he and my Mom just want to enjoy a “sittin’ on the couch wine.” This is a bottle of wine that is fantastic with or without food, and every sip is easy to drink and very enjoyable. That’s exactly how he described the Gauggiole Rosso di Montalcino.

Tasting notes of the 2023 Rosso di Montalcino

The Rosso di Montalcino is bright red in color. The wine itself presents with bright cherry, layered with wild berries, spice earthiness, and hints of balsamic. The wine is refreshing and even though there are tannins present, the wine still tastes quite fresh. If you are new to Italian wine and you’re looking for an approachable introduction to Italian reds. The Rosso di Montalcino is a wonderful place to start.

The 2021 Brunello di Montalcino Black Label

And then we moved on to the 2021 Brunello di Montalcino Black Label. Every year, Castiglion del Bosco produces 100,000 bottles of the Brunello di Montalcino Black Label. This is the largest production of the winery. This specific Black Label Brunello was a “Baby Brunello,” because it was only just released. Gianmario explained that this “baby” was not considered to be in perfect shape after the 5 years of aging. However, because it’s a Brunello, it will be in the future.

I just love the philosophy behind a Brunello di Montalcino. It’s understood that this wine will only get better with age, and there is so much positivity and promise of what this wine will become. Which is the perfect metaphor for life, isn’t it? In education and psychology, It’s called a growth mindset. This is the belief that we can and will learn, grow, evolve as a human being AND become better with age. May we, and our bottles of Brunello di Montalcino age into the finest of wines for many years to come.

The Tasting notes of the Black Label

The Castiglion del Bosco Black label Brunello is a ruby red color with refined tannins that are balanced by ripe berries, tobacco, and black pepper for a rich finish that will wow you. I promise. The Black Label can be paired with salmon, tuna tartare, steak, lamb, and other fatty fishes. This wine was also spectacular with the pecorino cheese and acacia honey that Gianmario served us during the tasting. I think it’s also important to note that I also fell in love with the black label Brunello di Montalcino all on its own.

It’s important to note that even though I have tasted the 2015, 2020, and the 2021 Brunello di Montalcino Classic Black Label from Castiglion del Bosco. They are 3 different wines that stand alone. Every year, the climate is different. From the amount of rain, to the heat index and so many factors in between. I encourage you to look at different releases of the Castiglion del Bosco Brunellos as different books in the same series that keeps you coming back for more.

The 2019 Campo del Drago Brunello di Montalcino 

At the highest point of the estate you will find the vineyard of Campo del Drago that faces south. This single vineyard Brunello is called Campo del Drago, or “Field of the Dragon,” because this vineyard looks very much like the tail of a Dragon. The name is also quite fitting, as this Brunello di Montalcino will captivate you with its powerful elegance.

Tasting notes of the 2019 Campo del Drago

With spicy notes of black pepper, deep red fruits, herbs, and refined tannins, this is a bottle that you can enjoy by itself or along with hearty Tuscan specialties. This also includes a simple charcuterie board of meats and cheeses. With all wine, if you are going to drink it along with food, I recommend starting by smelling it for the initial aroma. Then give it a taste without food before diving in. Wine will absolutely taste different when food enters the scenario.

The 2019 Millecento 1100 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva

The Millecento 1100 Riserva was not only a show stopping Brunello, but it taught my Dad and I something very important. For many years, I’ve thought of a wine “blend” simply as a blend of different types of grapes. But this is where the philosophy of Castiglion del Bosco shows its brilliance.

The Millecento Brunello di Montalcino is made from 100% Sangiovese grapes, yet it is a blend. But not in the way you might think. A wine can be a blend of grapes, but it can also be a blend of factors. The Black label Brunello is a Blend of grapes that were planted in the vineyard during different years. This gives the grapes from each year different elements. The 1100 Brunello, on the other hand, is a blend of positions.

The vineyard of the 1100 Brunello Riserva is planted along 3 different land positions of this specific wine’s vineyard, which is on a slope. Because of these differing placements, or orientations, the grapes will experience the climate in diverse ways. From the way the sun shines on the grapes to the direction of the wind, the altitude, and many other factors in between. Think of it like this. If one of your arms is exposed to the sun but the rest of your body is in the shade. Afterwards, you will see and feel the effects of the sunshine in a different way than the rest of your body.

The Tasting notes of the 1100 Brunello Riserva

This wine had aromas of dark berries, violets, and tobacco. And on the palate?  Silky smooth richness with lovely tannins, dark berries and a bit of spice. The 1100 was brilliant, and as its name suggests- the 1100 Riserva is balanced whether you enjoy it by itself, or with traditional Italian fare from the area.

That was another thing I learned from Gianmario. The local food very often will go perfectly with the wine of the region. Because while the grapes that grow best in a region cannot be planned, food can be stylized to go perfectly with the region’s best wines.

I’ll be enjoying the 1100 Brunello Riserva with a Florentine Steak, a Pappardelle Ragu, or honestly, whatever Gianmario tells me I should eat next time I’m in Italy! He’s one of those people that you know will steer you towards the perfect pairing.

The 2015 Prima Pietra Blend

The 2015 Tenuta Prima Pietra Blend was such a beautiful surprise. I do love how Castiglion del Bosco is forever evolving to reach more wine lovers. The Prima Pietra Blend is the perfect example of that. I love a blend, and many people all over the world agree! In the hands of a master winemaker, blends take the best notes from numerous grapes and bring them together to create a beautiful symphony of aromas and flavors.

Made from 50% Merlot grapes, 30% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Cabernet Franc, and 10% Petit Verdot. This wine has elegant tannins on the palate along with deep red fruits and a balsamic finish. Perhaps it was the balsamic that brought out a sweetness that reminded me of the estate honey. It was the perfect pairing.

With that being said, I cannot encourage you enough to purchase the acacia honey to bring back home. Prima Pietra, Pecorino + the Acacia honey was an absolutely delightful pairing that I want to recreate over and over again.

Final Thoughts: Castiglion del Bosco Wine Lounge in Florence

I cannot express how special it was to experience this wine tasting with my Dad. To share an experience in Florence- the city that we love so much was a treasure all its own. But to taste an epic roster of Brunello di Montalcino wines, in great company, while in Florence! This experience catapulted itself into a core memory for me- and quite easily! I want to thank Castiglion del Bosco, Edoardo, and of course Gianmario for sharing not only your world, but of course your wine, with me and my Dad. I also want to thank my Dad for being one of my favorite wine tasting partners. The only thing that could’ve made this experience better would be if my Mom was there too!

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