Imagine on your palate red berries, sour cherry, and dried plum, with a fresh and spicy finish, and the faint aroma of indescribable fruit. Not too citrusy but more pulpy, with bouquets of black cherry, raspberry, blueberry, redcurrants, and blackcurrants. If that sounds like the beginning of an off-kilter recipe for a pie, it’s not, but the nose notes on the Nipozzano Riserva Chianti Rufina DOCG, a legendary wine produced at Castello di Nipozzano.

Its ruby-red colour makes for an elegant pour; as you turn the stem, the rich blush of red eases into the wine glass, and a fine nose can detect abundant aromas. A heady mix of the finest grape—Sangiovese, Colorino, and Cabernet Sauvignon—the varietals make for a smooth sip. It’s one of the finer entry-level wines from Frescobaldi; the Nipozzano has a marvellous balance and a lovely freshness evoked from the floral hints—violets and rosehip—characterises the profile of this wine. It’s hard to believe this refined and excellent wine is but a mere introduction to the flight that Frescobaldi offers.

For those not in the know, Frescobaldi is one of the oldest wineries in Tuscany. With over 700 years of ripe history, it bears a family name as one of the few remaining independent houses, spanning a record 30 generations in industry. Legacy aside, the Frescobaldi estate stretches approximately 2,500 acres, cultivating the finest vineyards located on three fruitful plots: Castiglioni in Chianti Colli Fiorentini, Tenuta CastelGiocondo in Montalcino, and Castello di Nipozzano in Chianti Rufina. One of Tuscany’s oldest families, the Castello di Nipozzano medieval estate is one of the most beautiful, serene, and sun-kissed places on earth that invites guests to come stay (more on that later) and experience an extraordinary way of life, passed down from one generation to the next. It’s this finely honed pedigreed tradition that has brought the dynasty and its fruits of labour to Hong Kong wine cabinets.

Nuances in wines such as the Chianti or the Frescobaldi Tenuta CastelGiocondo Brunello di Montalcino DOCG 2018 are derived from its terrain—galestro soil, clay, and Pliocene sand—and exposed terroir, wherein the resulting tannic texture creates a complexity and density preferred by those who want a lasting impression. A first whiff provides hints of forest fruits and ripe berries, with elegant floral notes that dominate the olfactory profile. When left to breathe, as you should with this rich and complex wine, a spice world and balsamic notes perforate in a slow seduction of the senses.

Such stories are familiar to oenophiles the world over. Each bottle from the Frescobaldi estate comes with its own narrative and history that stems from a treasured legacy, with highly rated wines and a price point that runs the gamut from affordable to rare vintages breaking high-auction barriers—the Frescobaldi range covers vast terrain.

Just off Montalcino is an ideal atmospheric land for the production of Sangiovese grapes, a terroir you can visit, as under the Tuscan sun, guests are invited to overnight at Tenuta CastelGiocondo, the famed winery that’s stood the test of time. Situated at an altitude of around 300 metres, Tenuta CastelGiocondo is where you are introduced to the history of the area, steeped in vintage charm. In fact, guests can experience the postcard-perfect countryside, get a bed and breakfast, and have a spa day with stellar views.

With authentic, fresh Tuscan cuisine, farm-to-table goodness, and homemade treats, the experience and visit is like no other—a travel in time and a journey to the past. You can also choose to stay at sister site Castello Nipozzano, nestled amongst the vineyards and hills of Chianti Rufina. Only 20 minutes away from the hustle and bustle of Florence, with unpeopled pastures to rest the mind, Castello Nipozzano offers a rare opportunity to discover, indulge, rest, and relax. A unique feature of the territory is attributed to the foresight of an ancestor of the Frescobaldi family who, in 1855 invested 1,000 florins to begin the cultivation of varieties previously unknown in Tuscany such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot.

Every journey begins with the first step. Here, it begins with each sip.

All the wines mentioned above are available at Jebsen Wines & Spirits.

All images courtesy of Jebsen Wines & Spirits .