CASTELLARE DI CASTELLINA | Chianti Classico | 2019
sangiovese | canaiolo
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Castellare di Castellina was born in the 1970’s as an union of four estates (Castellare, Caselle, San Niccolò and Le Case) on the initiative of Paolo Panerai, with the aim of producing wines of the best possible quality according to the traditional method of the Chianti Classico denomination, by only using indigenous Tuscan grape varieties. The aim was to produce wines that would be internationally acknowledged as one of the greatest reds in the world.
Today we are are going to review a genuine Chianti wine from the famous Tuscany region of northern Italy – Chianti Classico 2019 by Castellare di Castellina. This wine is the epitome of a traditional Chianti, made almost entirely with sangiovese grapes (95%), mixed with just a bit of canaiolo (5% – the authentic ingredient in the original Chianti recipe). Chianti wines can be made with grapes sourced from a vast region within Tuscany: from the foothills of the Apennine Mountains, to the flatter plains towards the Mediterranean Sea, but, in order to taste some of best expressions of sangiovese-based Chianti wines, one needs to look into higher elevations, towards the original boundaries of the Chianti region, called Chianti Classico, where wines are made in smaller quantities, with lower yields and therefore are of higher quality. The best wines from the Chianti Classico sub-region will be labelled as ‘Riserva’ or ‘Gran Selezione’. This wine is made with grapes that were sourced from the estate’s vineyards planted on limestone-rich soils at 410 meters altitude. In order to add a layer of extra complexity to the final blend, but at the same time to preserve the varietal characteristics of the sangiovese grapes and those delicate, terroir-driven hints, the wine has been aged for 7 months in used oak barriques, and another 7 months in the bottle before being released on the market. That said and without further ado, let’s take a look at the wine tasting results.
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Take a look at the tasting notes below and our detailed assessment of the wine:
//Visual
color: pale garnet color
clarity: hazy copper shades on the rim
//Olfactory
intensity: rich & savory
fruit character: ripe & dehydrated
On the first nose the wine reveals a wave of ripe red fruit aromas that captures the senses. Notes of sour cherries, cranberries and redcurrants take center stage, however these notes are pleasantly intertwined with intriguing savory hints (think of a mix between dried herbs and cured meats), that adds further sophistication to the wine’s aromatic profile. In the background, delicate earthy tones emerge, with notes clay, loam and forest floor, hinting at the wine’s connection to its terroir.
//Palate
sweetness: dry | acidity: high | alcohol: medium | tannin: high | balance: good
finish: medium+ | aftertaste: crisp & seedy
The wine’s palate mirrors the nose, with a burst of fresh red fruit flavors that lean towards tartness, like underripe cherries or cranberries. Appealingly savory and earthy accents emerge alongside the vibrant fruit, adding complexity on the wine’s flavour profile. The exuberant acidity keeps the wine lively, while the fine-grained, slightly seedy tannins provide structure without being astringent. A touch of well-integrated warmth delivers more depth, lingering through the crisp and slightly seedy aftertaste. The mouthfeel is round and supple, making it a very refreshing Chianti wine. This is a wine that will suite those wine enthusiasts who are looking for a genuine and honest representation of Chianti Classico’s terroir.
//Verdict
maturity: developing | age for at least 2 or 3 more years
verdict: fine | highly recommended | a wine of premium quality with good potential
All in all, this wine offers anything one might expect from a Chianti Classico, as it feels and tastes like a genuine, terroir-driven Chianti, that showcases the classic characteristics of the region. However, in its current state, the wine feels like it might benefit from some additional bottle aging, in order to allow the tannins and acidity to fully integrate and achieve a more harmonious balance. Nevertheless, this is a refreshing and enjoyable italian wine that would be a great choice for those who would like to discover the full potential of indigenous Tuscany, as this wine is sangiovese at its best – a textbook Chianti wine.
//Scoring
CASTELLARE DI CASTELLINA | Chianti Classico | 2019
variety: sangiovese | canaiolo
country: Italy
region: Toscana | Chianti Classico
rating: 93.3
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This is definitely a fine wine of Italy and, with a total of 93.3 points scored, this wine is right there, among the best wines we’ve rated so far. Check our complete database on the wine rating page, where you can find all the wines that we have tasted and reviewed or go to the about us page and find out more about our exquisite rating system.
Pairing: Judging by the wine’s vibrant acidity and its emphasis on savory and earthy character, it would be a perfect match for cured italian meats. Italian classics like tagliere di salumi (cured meat platter) or vitello tonnato (thinly sliced veal with creamy tuna sauce) would be excellent choices. The acidity in the wine will cut through the richness of the cured meats and the creamy sauce, while the bright fruit character and savory-earthy accents in the wine will complement the rustic flavors of the dish. This pairing is a classic example of italian cuisine’s focus on regional harmony, where the wine’s characteristics are complemented by the rich flavours of the food and vice versa. Cin cin!
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© The WineStatistics ratings are based solely on our own knowledge of the world of wine and on our personal wine tastes, which may, or may not, differ from yours – the reader. Just remember that there are no absolutes of right and wrong in wine appreciation.
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By training ourselves to stop, take a breath, and pay attention to the subtle elements that distinguish one wine from any other, we learn an important lesson about life – that it’s worth taking the time to slow down and appreciate things that pleases us, from a glass of wine to a great work of art. It’s a simple way to learn to appreciate the little things in life that may in some small way enhance our enjoyment of every day.
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WineStatistics is a non-profit community. We produce independent and highly detailed wine reviews.
By training ourselves to stop, take a breath, and pay attention to the subtle elements that distinguish one wine from any other, we learn an important lesson about life – that it’s worth taking the time to slow down and appreciate things that pleases us, from a glass of wine to a great work of art. It’s a simple way to learn to appreciate the little things in life that may in some small way enhance our enjoyment of every day.
In order to continue our work we need support from people like you. People who appreciate our contribution in spreading wine knowledge and raising wine awareness across the borders.
You may now support us by contributing with a monthly donation so that we can review even more wines.
WineStatistics is a non-profit community. We produce independent and highly detailed wine reviews.
By training ourselves to stop, take a breath, and pay attention to the subtle elements that distinguish one wine from any other, we learn an important lesson about life – that it’s worth taking the time to slow down and appreciate things that pleases us, from a glass of wine to a great work of art. It’s a simple way to learn to appreciate the little things in life that may in some small way enhance our enjoyment of every day.
In order to continue our work we need support from people like you. People who appreciate our contribution in spreading wine knowledge and raising wine awareness across the borders.
You may now support us by contributing with a yearly donation so that we can review even more wines.
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