~ The main piazza in Castelnuovo is typical of many Tuscan country towns ~
Castell’in Villa was established in 1968. Even though that’s five decades ago, it’s an infancy relative to many Tuscan wineries. Still, it didn’t take them long to make their mark on Chianti Classico. The winery’s first commercial Riserva release, the 1971, is considered legendary. In the cellar of the winery, bottles of this very vintage reside today. One day, I hope to taste it.
Proprietress Principessa Coralia Pignatelli della Leonessa and her husband first saw the estate in 1967 and then bought the property in 1968. At that time, there was only the 13th century farmhouse and one hectare of vineyards. They quickly expanded their plantings and updated the farmhouses. In doing so, they sought the advice of the Chianti Consorzio and as a result, quickly eliminated the use of white grapes in their wine. Soon after, they ultimately switched to 100% Sangiovese.
~ Castelnuovo Berardenga, like Castellina, is another of my favorite hamlets ~
Today the estate spans nearly 300 hectares. However, only 54 are devoted to vineyards which enjoy southwest exposure atop one of Castelnuovo’s highest points. As a result, despite being part of this southerly Chianti Classico Commune, the vines enjoy the diurnal temperature swings at this slightly higher altitude.
The 2017 Castell’in Villa Chianti Classico is rather impressive given the challenges the vintage presented. In the glass, the wine is a deep violet with pretty reflections. A siena like color shades the rim of the glass. The aromas from the glass feature crushed berry, worn leather and dusty earth tones. Attractive. On the palate, the wine is fresh and vibrant. There is nary a perception of the scorching hot summer that often impacted wines in 2017. Solid core of ripe cherry is viscous with fresh acidity, spices, warmed clay and herb. We drank half the bottle one night and it was just as fresh and vibrant the next. Vinfied in stainless steel and then in large cask for 12 months. 100% Sangiovese. My only complaint? Perhaps it’s a bit pricey. 90 points. About $26. Find this wine.
~ Impressively, this wine held up well after being open for 24 hours ~
Stay tuned for more from this property as I re-visit my Gemelli series and taste the 2005 and 2008 Riservas side by side. Salute!
Great review John! I’ve noticed, especially since last year, the upward creep of Chianti prices. More non-Riservas are landing between $23 and $27 now, even the Volpaia crept up to $20 this year. While the wines are generally better than 20 years ago, it’s competing with my quest for the other great wines. One of the issues is weighing cost into the vintage and producer(s), I’m already dealing with limited cellar space as it is. Where do you draw the line? After drinking a test bottle, of course?
Thanks Paul. For sure I am fortunate that I can taste a lot of wines before I buy for my cellar. That said, if we are specifically talking about Chianti Classico (and you’re right about pricing generally) then there are a few that I think still provide good value. Aiola is under $20. Volpaia I still enjoy. Castello di Bossi is under $20. I would still buy the Fontodi. I think Castellare is around $20. Use the search feature here. There are values in Villa Cerna Primocolle, Villa Rosa, Lornano. But if we’re expanding out of Chianti Classico, you simply can’t beat Campochiarenti’s San Nicola Colli Senesi. It’s the equal of all of the aforementioned wines (and better than many) and is available for about $13. Have a look at his website and be confident in buying directly. Cheers!
Awesome! Thanks for the recommendations too.
If I may, Rodano CC s an absolute steal at about $18. It’s just really good. I would describe them as a “no nonsense” winemaker; no tasting room; no restaurant; no agroturisimo; they just grow grapes and make wine. The winemaker once told me that there goal was to make wine as good as wine costing twice as much and I think they succeed. Part way down the hill south of Castellina, they are in a good neighborhood. Highly recommend.
Agreed. Just don’t see it much. I’m gonna look harder……
Great! Thanks for the suggestion Steve, my go-to cellar has Rodano and it is cheap, relatively speaking.
Interesting, in Colorado Rodano is very very easy to find. The first time we found Rodano was in s as grocery store in Missoula Montana, but that’s a story for another day.
BTW John, thanks for Tuscan Vines, it’s a great resource.
Steve, it’s my pleasure and thank you – being appreciated never gets old. Forza!!!! Insieme!