~ The Bucciarelli family have owned Podera Casanova since 1926 ~
We were at the tail end of the Rustic Tuscany Tour. After finishing a long, relaxing lunch, we were planning to head back to our Agriturismo when a few of the guests began plotting an unscheduled stop in Castellina in Chianti. Being one of my favorite towns, I never miss a chance to visit Castellina so off we went.
~ The Chiesa in Castellina in Chianti has been used as a meeting place very often ~
Once we arrived, I left the guests to their own devices and told them we’d meet where the ZTL began in about 45 minutes. I figured I’d wander around at a brisk pace and see what was opened. The first order of business was an espresso. It was October 30th and sadly, a lot of the shops were closed. With the tourist season waning and the weather turning cooler, stores were buttoning up for winter.
Knowing the hamlet well, I went looking for some of my favorite places only to find them victims of Covid – gone forever – or already closed for the season. However, I noticed an Enoteca that appeared to be brand new. So I decided to stop in.
~ On the way back to the Agriturismo, I pointed out this clump of trees rising above Castellina’s vineyards ~
I was alone in the shop and I wanted to buy a couple bottles of wine for our tour drivers. I started talking to the owner, a young gent who confirmed that he only opened the shop this past Spring. He also told me that he was closing for the winter on November 1st so a lot of his stock was already boxed up. I wonder if he’ll be there next October?
I mentioned to him what I wanted and he said well – this bottle is interesting because the winemaker is my neighbor. I see him every day and his driveway is right behind my house. I was thinking, “Sold”! But then I decided to grab an extra bottle for myself and carried it home with me.
The Podere Casanova farm has been owned by the Bucciarelli family since the mid 1920s. Originally acquired after the mezzadria period by the current owner’s Grandfather, today the estate has 13 hectares of Sangiovese, Canaiolo and Colorino under vine.
~ Welcome to Bucciarelli ~
Winemaker Ezio Bucciarelli farms organically and biodynamically and exalts Sangiovese above all else in his wines.
The 2015 Bucciarelli Chianti Classico Riserva is a deep garnet in the glass. Intense aromas of autumn leaves, leather, dark cherry and flowers are fresh and wonderful. Full bodied on the palate with rich, ripe black cherry, dusty minerals, cocoa powder, leather and cured meat. This is outstanding. One of the best Riserva I’ve had in a long time. Clearly it’s more masculine in style and benefits from the lower Castellina exposition, but it’s one of my favorite production areas and this is very impressive. Certified Organic, 100% Sangiovese. 95 points. Available Directly from the Winery
~ This was a wonderful discovery and is now something I will happily seek out when in Tuscany or home ~
I’ll be back in Tuscany next month and just may stop in to see Ezio. Let’s see!
Salute.
Bucciarelli is a real gem, his Riserva one of the best in Castellina and I have to still go and grab the 2015 but the 2013 is amazing too. One small point, I think here the had of the producer and the vintage are the key to the more masculinity of this wine, cause Antico Podere Casanova is actually very high on the Panzano side of Castellina UGA (I think at least 450mt if not higher which is quite high for CC) and it’s east/southeast facing.
For everyone, that corner of Castellina, with Buondonno and Bucciarelli, has one of the best views of the whole Chianti Classico area.
Ciao Marco, thanks for the insight here. I agree, 2015 produced some rich, structured wines and this is definitely one of them. I will be heading back to the area next month and visiting Setriolo among others in the area. I will see if I can find Bucciarelli. Ciao ciao