| Region of production: | Chianti Classico |
| Winery Location: | Castellina, Siena |
| Year Established: | 1977 |
Vineyard Holdings
33 ha
- Il Poggiale
- Poggio ai Merli (2 ha): South-facing vineyard at 1,450 feet elevation on calcareous clay and loam. Planted in 1996.
- Coniale (2 ha): Southwest-facing vineyard at 1,450 feet elevation on calcareous clay and loam. Planted in 1983.
- I Sodi di San Niccolò: Southwest-facing vineyard at 1,450 feet elevation on calcareous clay and loam. Planted in 1970.
Top Wines Produced & Inaugural Vintages
- Chianti Classico DOCG: Sangiovese with Canaiolo. Aged in used botti.
- Chianti Classico Riserva Vigna Il Poggiale DOCG: 90% Sangiovese, 5% Canaiolo, and 5% Ciliegiolo. Aged two years in oak, 20% new French barriques. Inaugural vintage 1993.
- Poggio ai Merli Toscana IGP: 100% Merlot. Aged 14 months in a mix of new and used 225-liter French oak. 300 cases produced. Inaugural vintage 1999.
- Coniale Toscana IGP: 100% Cabernet Sauvignon. Aged 18 months in a mix of new and used 225-liter French oak. 300 cases produced. Inaugural vintage 1988.
- I Sodi di San Niccolò Toscana IGP: 85% Sangioveto and 15% Malvasia Nera. Aged two years in a mix of new and used 225-liter French oak. 2,000 cases produced. Inaugural vintage 1979.
Average Total Production
- 396,000 bottles
Summary
Castellare di Castellina was founded in the 1970s by Paolo Panerai through the consolidation of four estates: Castellare, Caselle, San Niccolò, and Le Case. Today, the estate combines a traditional grapegrowing approach with an innovative spirit and modern winemaking techniques. In conjunction with the University of Milan and the University of Florence, Castellare di Castellina planted the first experimental vineyard in Chianti, which is focused on Sangiovese clones. The wine labels depict Tuscan birds endangered from the use of pesticides and herbicides in many local vineyards.
Style & Vinification Techniques
The estate is organic and focuses on sustainability throughout the entire winemaking process, including 100% gravity flow and storing wine 50 meters underground for temperature control. Grapes are hand-picked, destemmed, and fermented in stainless steel before aging for one to two years each in French oak and bottle.
Producer Website: Domini Castellare di Castellina