Castellare Chianti Classico

The Castellare Chianti Classico is produced from a selection of the finest Sangioveto (or Sangiovese Piccolo) and Canaiolo grapes. The sandy soils, including some limestone, lie with a south-westerly orientation at an altitude of over 400 metres, and offer the best conditions for obtaining all the floral and fruity aromas of the indigenous varieties. At Castellare di Castellina they solely work with native grapes, as they know that it's the only way to maintain the essence of the Italian tradition, and thus the historic Chiantis' lovely red colour.

Naturally, the Castellare Chianti Classico appears a bright red colour. On its nose there's a mixture of the delicate fresh fragrances of Morello cherries and violets, Mediterranean herbs (especially rosemary) and mint, joined by the spicy and toasty hints which emerge from the background. From the first sip it comes over as juicy and crisp, reminding us of blackberry jam, with a fantastic acidity of redcurrants and young tannins, though not at all aggressive so portending a great future. It's vigorous at the start, with youth's typical impetuosity, but it tones down after some aeration. Fine touches of bitterness combine superbly well with a final note of sweetness which balances the wine to perfection.

The seven months of ageing in used barrels endow the Castellare Chianti Classico with a complexity uncommonly found in this price range. The judicious use of oak and maximum respect shown for the grapes deliver a wine brimming with typicity and history. It's quite impossible to get things wrong with this wine since, apart from its unquestionable quality, it boasts a huge gastronomic versatility.