Rocca di Castagnoli 2018 Chianti Classico DOCG 750ml

Castagnoli is an ancient medieval village turned wine estate in Gaiole in Chianti, the heart of historic Chianti Classico zone. The property is quite large, totaling 850 ha/2100 acres. The company produces several different brands with Rocca di Castagnoli as their flagship. The property is also an agriturismo with rooms apartments available to book. Vines cover 100 ha of the property which is surrounded by woods, olive and cypress trees. Altitudes here range from 380-860 meters (including the hill of Mount Luco). This is a thousand year old farm, with the first cultivations going back to the Etruscan period.

Current ownership purchased the estate in 1981 and have made improvements over the decades including a modern wine-making cellar (designed and built in the cellars of the famous medieval fortress where wines aged). Castagnoli means tradition but also experimentation. The company has collaborated with a company called Caffaro, and substantial clonal research has been conducted. Over 100 clones have been analysed (with four main identified for quality production). The clone Rdc has now been officially recognized by Chianti Classico and consequently, Castagnoli produces Sangiovese and Chianti Classico with its own clones. They also use indigenous varieties as part of their blend (colorino and canaiolo). The commune of Gaiole is considered by some experts to make some of the most “complete” Sangiovese based wines in all of the Classico zones.

• The blend is 90% Sangiovese, 5% Colorino and 5% Canaiolo
• Average altitude = 500 m above sea level
• Matures in oak casks and in tonneaux for at least 12 months followed by bottle age
• ’13 was a good vintage making classically styled wines that are juicy and drinking well today