Lively black cherry ruby with black reflections. The bouquet is rich, and quite fresh, with a rush of violets and underlying red berry fruit supported by some brambly accents. Inviting and invigorating. On the palate it's light, with bright slightly sour cherry fruit supported by tannins that have a greenish angular Sangiovese burr and flow into a clean bitter finish; it's a touch less rich than I might have liked, but this is also youth at work, because the tannins are still doing their own thing off in left field, and it will be a few more months before they join the rest of the wine. In terms of accompaniments, it will work well with lesser grilled meats or light stews. Kyle Phillips Italian Wine Review
Castellare is piloted by the very capable Paolo Panerai who entered the world of winemaking at age 37 after a career in Italian journalism. Panerai feels it is important to understand and respect the experience of the world's best wineries and to apply this understanding to viticulture in Italy. He is a strong advocate of utilizing new winemaking technologies without compromising the traditions of Tuscany. The birds on Castellare's labels symbolize Panerai's commitment to environmentally sound cultivation. Herbicides are not used, nor are any systemic pesticides. Hunting is also prohibited on the property. As a result of these practices, the property has become a virtual refuge for wildlife, including many of the birds pictured on the labels.
Poderi Castellare di Castellina is a wine farm about 80 hectares wide in the heart of Chianti Classico region, in Castellina in Chianti. Its vineyards are 22 hectares wide and are located on the hills of a natural amphitheatre facing south-east, at an average altitude of 370 metres above sea level. Its wine production is about 160.000 bottles per year. The age of vineyards may vary from 5 to 30 years. Besides vineyards there are about 12 hectares of olive trees and 15 hectares of mixed cultivation. The rest of the land is wood.
Poderi Castellare di Castellina was born in 1968 when five farms merged. At Castellare the yields per hectare are very low, clearly under the maximum level allowed by Chianti Classico DOCG rules. The production of both red and white wines, very well structured, intense and suitable for long ageing bottles is favoured by a very good exposure to sunlight, a good water drainage, a land mixture of calcareous loam rocks, some marl and very little clay. In an average year, production runs to about 90,000 bottles of Chianti Classico and (in good years) Chianti Classico Riserva; 10,000 bottles of Governo, a red wine that reflects the Chianti traditions and its fresh, fruity characteristics; 40,000 bottles of Sodi di San Niccolò, a Tuscan wine made from local grapes (Sangioveto and Malvasia Nera) with the highest rating in the Wine Spectator classification (96/100); and 15,000 bottles of white wines like Le Ginestre, a blend of Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc; or Canonico, a pure Chardonnay fermented in barriques and Spartito, a Sauvignon also fermented in barriques.
Castellare wine labels show a different bird each year. The bird of the year is chosen among those who are threatened by extinction and this is a clear sign of the estate's commitment in the care for the environment. As a matter of fact, herbicides and pesticides are not allowed in the cultivation neither is any kind of systemic chemical products. Both no hunting and this kind of cultivation have helped the return of lots of species of local fauna which once were more widespread in the area. The birds on Castellare's labels symbolise Mr. Panerai commitment to environmentally sound cultivation. Herbicides are not used, nor are any systemic pesticides. Chemical treatment of any kind is shunned. Hunting is prohibited on the property. As a result of these practices over the 15 years of Mr. Panerai's stewardship, the property has become a virtual refuge for wildlife, including many of the birds pictured on the labels.
