Castellare di Castellina

Castellares Chianti Classico with refined aromas reminiscent of juicy sweet cherries, flowers and spices such as mint. Silky and polished on the palate, the final long and creamy. A radiant, seductive wine. SUPERIORE.DE

"All around successful! With charming fruit, finesse and depth, also compactly built, punchy, with fleshy tannin and length." Weinwisser

"Radiant, bright ruby red. A little restrained on the nose, initially showing slightly stony-earthy tones, then cranberries. On the palate with a juicy, pithy entry, polished and compact, earthy on the final." Falstaff

"Richly balanced with zesty, citrusy acidity and fine, powdery tannins. An engaging and silky Chianti Classico that will give much pleasure over the next five years." Decanter

"The 2021 Chianti Classico is gorgeous. Bright and punchy, the 2021 races across the palate with lively red-toned fruit, dried flowers, minerals and cedar. Vibrant acids lend energy to a Chianti Classico that marries fruit intensity with energy. This is such an inviting wine." Vinous

"An intense red wine with rich fruit of black cherries and blackberries, framed by aromas and flavours of menthol and tar. Firmly structured and balanced, in its youthful way, with excellent length. A little aeration helps, so decant now." Wine Spectator

Quercesola is a dynamic Chianti Classico and the ideal introduction to the great world of Castellare wines. Packed with the aromas of ripe cherries, blackberries and spices. Straightforward and boldly forward on the palate, with dark fruit, sweet tannins and a great sense of integrity. SUPERIORE.DE

Enormously elegant, very characterful Riserva: fascinating bouquet, intense and enveloping. On the palate, great fruit, fine tannin, vital acidity, long lasting, overall lean and hardly to be surpassed in harmony. SUPERIORE.DE

"Flattering black cherry and violet notes; balanced construction with fine melting, invigorating acidity and fine-grained tannins; finishes with notes of ripe stone fruit and Mediterranean maquis." Vinum

"Delightful from A to Z, with aromas of violet, cherry and red currant (blackcurrant), beguiling with depth and finesse, has juiciness, is fleshy, has animating drinking flow and length." Weinwisser

"Sparkling, medium ruby red. Intense nose of rich sour cherries, plums and ripe wild berries, reverberating with leather and forest floor. On the palate juicy and with well-integrated tannin, with lots of red fruit, has train, long final." Falstaff

"This red wine exudes cherry and strawberry fruit, along with hints of Mediterranean herbs, tobacco and tar aromas. Fluid and balanced, with a long, lively finish." Wine Spectator

"Camphor, blue flowers, leather and berry aromas come to the fore. Elegant and savoury, the linear, polished palate offers juicy red cherries, orange zest and star anise accompanied by taut, fine-grained tannins." Wine Enthusiast

"A lively, tangy red wine with aromas of cranberries, mushrooms, dried flowers, bay leaves, mocha and lemons. Medium-bodied with fine tannins and refreshingly sharp acidity. Fresh and tasty." James Suckling

"The 2019 Chianti Classico Riserva will need a few more years to fully develop, as the tannins are not yet fully integrated. Bright red cherry fruit, mint, spices, white pepper, incense and tobacco add great luminosity to a nervy, tense Riserva that will have much to say later." Vinous

"Castellare produces two Riservas: 'Il Poggiale' is a single plot bottling, while 'Castellare di Castellina' is selected from several plots between 350 and 400 metres. Produced since 1979, this wine has subtle floral scents that mingle with vanilla, tobacco and leather. On the palate it is very rich, yet lively: dark wild berries are framed by supple, layered tannins. Satisfying to the end, with a lingering finish of fennel and spice." Decanter

One of the impeccable proofs in the Chianti Classico "zone" of Castellare, in this case Riserva variety. Cherry and violet on the nose, then notes of thyme and iodine-like hints at the end. The mouthfeel is spicy, compact and of excellent crispness, with savoury tannins and a long finish with a fruity aftertaste." Luca Gardini

Castellares dessert wine matures for five long years in chestnut wood caratelli, and just 3,500 bottles are released each year. Strong honey yellow. The bouquet is reminiscent of wild porcini mushrooms, candied fruits with honey and caramel. Seductive and soft on the palate, the well-developed acid structure not only ensures a wonderfully fresh drinking flow, but also gives this fine drop a great future. SUPERIORE.DE

"Light-bodied and pungent in aroma, this dessert white evokes white pepper, horehound, apricot and caramel. Ends with a light tannic feel." Wine Spectator

Vigna Poggiale, a full-bodied Riserva from the single vineyard of the same name, is an extroverted classic drop. Dark fruits, blossoms, smoke and liquorice in the complex, differentiated bouquet. Admirably hamonic, the juicy taste is interwoven with silky tannin. SUPERIORE.DE

"Ruby red with light garnet reflections. The nose shows intense aromas of ripe black cherries, notes of undergrowth, rhubarb, red wild roses, violets and spices. Harmonious in the mouth, with lively tannins and a fine spicy aftertaste of noble wood." Falstaff

"This elegant and tasty red wine made from 90% Sangiovese, 5% Canaiolo and 5% Colorino smells of wild berries, crushed mint, fragrant blue flowers and baking spices. The supple, elegant palate shows juicy Marasca cherry, star anise and mint, framed by polished tannins. It finishes with a hint of vanilla." Wine Enthusiast

"The 2019 Chianti Classico Riserva Il Poggiale is a deep, powerful wine endowed with depth. Wild cherry, tobacco, incense, leather and dried herbs add remarkable complexity to this virile, deceptively medium-bodied Riserva. A few years of ageing should work wonders here. Stylistically, the Poggiale has a little more new oak structure and sweetness than the pure Riserva." Vinous

"Strawberries, pomegranates, lemons, acacia flowers, cinnamon and sweet spices on the nose. Medium bodied with crisp acidity and slightly chewy tannins. Tangy and fresh with excellent drinkability." James Suckling

"Ripe dark cherry and plums with a hint of spices and dried herbs. Tannins exuberantly extracted yet in the end not too dry or bitter, it's an attractive and ambitious style." Decanter

"The 2019 Chianti Classico Riserva Il Poggiale shows dark, saturated fruit and medium aromatic intensity. Indeed, the wine takes a few moments to open up, offering dried fruits, grilled herbs, spices and white chocolate." Wine Advocate

"A Riserva of great reliability, from a single vineyard, a Sangiovese, with a contribution of Canaiolo and Ciliegiolo, of excellent flavour impact. On the nose, notes of red cherries with hints of quinotto, nutmeg and ibis. The mouthfeel is juicy, with a fruity and spicy finish." Luca Gardini

Coniale, a pure Cabernet Sauvignon, is an elegant and expressive wine. Smells pleasantly of black fruits, spices and tobacco, presents itself dense and wide on the palate, with mineral tones of flint and granite, firmly structured and well defined until the long finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"Aromas of blackberries, mushrooms, mocha, cedar and spice box. It's full-bodied with firm, polished tannins. Tight and structured with a rich, zesty and spiced finish." James Suckling

"This red features ripe cherry, currant, loam, Tuscan scrub and bitter almond flavors, with a mineral underpinning. Firm and taut, with a beam of acidity driving the lingering finish. Balanced in a compact way, this should unwind in a year or two." Wine Spectator

"The 2017 Coniale, 100% Cabernet Sauvignon, is a gorgeous wine that marries varietal character with a distinctly Chianti Classico profile of acid, tannin and overall structure. This decidedly Tuscan Cabernet has so much to offer, starting with its expansive aromatics and beautifully layered fruit. Dark cherry, cedar, tobacco, menthol and licorice lead into the firm, structured finish." Vinous

Poggio ai Merli is a single-varietal Merlot that relies entirely on the terroir of central Tuscany and consistently embodies the Castellare style. Pure, clear, with refinement, elegant and free of fashionable monotony. SUPERIORE.DE

"The radiance of the year comes through beautifully in Castellare's 2015 Merlot Poggio ai Merli. Soft and supple, with no hard edges, the Poggio ai Merli is pure seduction. Layers of red/purplish fruit and spice are nicely pushed forward in this fleshy, succulent wine. Naturally, the 2015 needs time in bottle to lose some of its primary fruitiness and develop more complexity. All of the necessary ingredients appear present for that to happen over the coming years." Vinous

"A fresh and fruity wine with dark chocolate and hints of walnut. Medium to full body, bright fruit and a crisp finish. An extremely bright and focused young red." James Suckling

"Polished and harmonious, this red delivers blackberry, plum, cedar, spice and earth flavors. The tannins are exposed on the finish. Just needs time to mellow. Merlot. Best from 2019 through 2032." Wine Spectator

"Tuscany and Merlot make for beautifully matched bedfellows-especially in a reasonably balanced vintage like this. The 2015 Poggio ai Merli reveals a thickly darkened and saturated appearance with inky and blackish purple highlights. The bouquet is surprisingly delicate and perfumed with dark rose, spice, dried cherry and blackberry. In the mouth, this wine is exceedingly soft and luscious. The tannins are soft but the wine offers thick textural layering nonetheless. A mere 3,500 bottles were produced." Wine Advocate

The special quality of this exceptional wine is evident in the sweet fruit and glycerine, accompanied by firm tannins and the influence of Malvasia Nera, which gives the wine its proportions. Powerful, rich ruby. Deep, dark and dense on the palate, flanked by a multitude of floral and spicy notes. A wine full of intensity, with firm pressure and personality. SUPERIORE.DE

"Fruity-spicy nose, subtle balsamic notes; supple construction with polish and melting, fine-meshed tannin, supported by the acidity, the finish on notes of red berries. Pleasing even in its 40th vintage with its finesse yet also structure." Vinum

"Sparkling ruby with a light garnet rim. Opens with light green-spicy components, coriander seeds and white pepper, then she juicy cherry, some plum. Lots of fine-mesh tannin on the palate with a firm core, builds in many layers, juicy cherry and fine herbal spice, firm pressure." Falstaff

"Aromas of blueberries, blackberries, cloves, tobacco, walnuts and chocolate. It’s full-bodied with firm, tightly-knit tannins. Structured and tight on the palate with bright acidity. Layered and flavorful with a long finish." James Suckling

"Toasty oak gives way to bright cherry, blackberry and violet aromas and flavors in this sleek, vibrant red, with wild herb, tobacco and mineral notes adding complexity. Supple, yet there's a firm matrix of refined tannins and the finish is defined by lively acidity and finesse." Wine Spectator

"The 2017 I Sodi di San Niccolò is supple, radiant and inviting, almost uncharacteristically so for a young vintage of this typically potent, brooding wine. That makes the 2017 an ideal vintage for readers who want to explore I Sodi, one of the most under the radar wines in all of Italy. Soft contours envelop a core of red berry fruit, dried flowers, licorice, mint and tobacco." Vinous

Poggio ai Merli is a single-varietal Merlot that relies entirely on the terroir of central Tuscany and consistently embodies the Castellare style. Pure, clear, with refinement, elegant and free of fashionable monotony. SUPERIORE.DE

"Intense, rich garnet. In the nose of delicate fragrance of ripe blackberry, some mint and a touch of oak, in the reverberation of varnish. Shows on the palate with rich pressure and gripping course, well-integrated wood supports the drink, rich and slightly salty, currently still young, should spend some more time in the bottle." Falstaff

"A juicy red with lots of ripe-fruit and citrus undertones to the smoked oak. Medium to full body, chewy tannins and a fruity finish. It’s a little disjointed now, so needs a few years to come together. But excellent potential in this pure merlot." James Suckling

"The 2018 Poggio ai Merli is stunning for the way it combines the fruit intensity of Merlot with the structure of Chianti Classico and the vibrancy of the year. What a wine. Inky blue/purplish fruit, grilled herbs, menthol, licorice, black pepper and earthy flavors all race through this deep, potent Merlot from Castellare. Even with all of its intensity, the 2018 retains striking freshness and tons of verve." Vinous

Poggio ai Merli is a single-varietal Merlot that relies entirely on the terroir of central Tuscany and consistently embodies the Castellare style. Deep ruby garnet. Pure, clear, with refinement, the wood well integrated, elegant and free of fashionable monotony. Great ageing potential. SUPERIORE.DE

"A pretty red with aromas of blueberries, plums, incense and tea leaves. Full-bodied and structured with a creamy texture and firm, chewy tannins. Vibrant, long finish." James Suckling

"This rich red is saturated with black cherry, black currant, tar, wild rosemary and cedar flavors. Beautifully layered, ripe and fresh, with a lingering fruity and savory aftertaste and refined tannins." Wine Spectator

"The 2019 Poggio ai Merli (Merlot) is a dark, fleshy wine that will drink well right out of the gate. Spice, leather, new oak and tobacco add pretty hints of Chianti Classico savoriness to the lush Merlot fruit. Although quite appealing now, the 2019 has enough tannic grip to age well for many years to come." Vinous

The wine icon, rare every year and very highly rated, presents itself in a shiny, rich ruby. On the nose, crisp berry fruit, ripe dark cherries, sweet plums and delicate notes of cinnamon. In the mouth it is full-bodied and firm, very juicy, unfolds a finely woven tannin and glides in a wide arc into a powerful, long final. A great wine full of tension and elegance. SUPERIORE.DE

"Dense, sweet and with great seductiveness, it smells out of the glass with lots of chocolate and nutty aromas. Fine-grained and clearly structured on the palate, it has excellent breed with playful acidity, which in turn gives it depth and length. Impressively typical I Sodi, which has never lost its traditional character. Even though it was one of the more modern top wines from Tuscany in the 90s because of its ageing in barriques, today it has to be classified rather with the classics." Weinwisser

"Rich, sparkling ruby with a slightly pale rim. Opens clear and deep on the nose, with plums and blackberries, discreet smoky notes, some cardamom. Firm and sturdy on the palate, shows lots of tightly woven tannin, builds up firm pressure, lots of plum, long final." Falstaff

"This is marked by new oak initially, then the plum and cherry flavors shine through. Vibrant, with leather and earth elements joining in before the oak spice and tannins frame the finish. Fresh and complex, with a lot going on—just needs time." Wine Spectator

"Bright and vibrant, the trademark lively and vibrant acidity at the fore straight away giving life and lift to the caramelised cherries, pomegranates and strawberry fruit. The wood is a little apparent, giving the frame a spiced edge that sticks out a little and pulls the fruit forwardness back a bit. Clearly powerful, there is a richness and ripeness to the fruit with massy tannins. Nuanced and generous with precision and focus from beginning to the end." Decanter

"This celebrated Tuscan red is a blend of mostly Sangiovese with a smaller part of Malvasia Nera. The Castellare di Castellina 2018 I Sodi di S. Niccolò shows the elegance and grace of these native grapes with aromas of red and purple fruit, cherry, wild rose and gardening soil. However, there is also a strong oak element that adds spice and toast to the bouquet and textural weight to the wine's generous build." Wine Advocate

"A vibrant, balanced and fresh red with raspberries, pomegranates, cherry stones and spice box on the nose. Sleek, tight tannins. Focused, with a very fine structure and wound-up energy." James Suckling

"The 2018 I Sodi di San Niccolò is the most elegant Sodi I have ever tasted, and I have tasted them all. Sodi can be quite the bruiser in its youth, as the tannins are often imposing, but the 2018 is impressive because there is more than enough fruit to balance things out. Dark cherry, plum, lavender, spice and gravel build in a Sodi endowed with mind-blowing purity and exceptional finesse. Superb!" Vinous

The special quality of this exceptional wine is evident in the sweet fruit and glycerine, accompanied by firm tannins and the influence of Malvasia Nera, which gives the wine its proportions. Powerful, rich ruby. Deep, dark and dense on the palate, flanked by a multitude of floral and spicy notes. A wine full of intensity, with firm pressure and personality. SUPERIORE.DE

"Fruity-spicy nose, subtle balsamic notes; supple construction with polish and melting, fine-meshed tannin, supported by the acidity, the finish on notes of red berries. Pleasing even in its 40th vintage with its finesse yet also structure." Vinum

"Aromas of blueberries, blackberries, cloves, tobacco, walnuts and chocolate. It's full-bodied with firm, tightly-knit tannins. Structured and tight on the palate with bright acidity. Layered and flavorful with a long finish." James Suckling

"Toasty oak gives way to bright cherry, blackberry and violet aromas and flavors in this sleek, vibrant red, with wild herb, tobacco and mineral notes adding complexity. Supple, yet there's a firm matrix of refined tannins and the finish is defined by lively acidity and finesse." Wine Spectator

"The 2017 I Sodi di San Niccolò is supple, radiant and inviting, almost uncharacteristically so for a young vintage of this typically potent, brooding wine. That makes the 2017 an ideal vintage for readers who want to explore I Sodi, one of the most under the radar wines in all of Italy. Soft contours envelop a core of red berry fruit, dried flowers, licorice, mint and tobacco." Vinous

The wine icon, rare every year and very highly rated, presents itself in a shiny, rich ruby. On the nose, crisp berry fruit, ripe dark cherries, sweet plums and delicate notes of cinnamon. In the mouth it is full-bodied and firm, very juicy, unfolds a finely woven tannin and glides in a wide arc into a powerful, long final. A great wine full of tension and elegance. SUPERIORE.DE

"Dense, sweet and with great seductiveness, it smells out of the glass with lots of chocolate and nutty aromas. Fine-grained and clearly structured on the palate, it has excellent breed with playful acidity, which in turn gives it depth and length. Impressively typical I Sodi, which has never lost its traditional character. Even though it was one of the more modern top wines from Tuscany in the 90s because of its ageing in barriques, today it has to be classified rather with the classics." Weinwisser

"Rich, sparkling ruby with a slightly pale rim. Opens clear and deep on the nose, with plums and blackberries, discreet smoky notes, some cardamom. Firm and sturdy on the palate, shows lots of tightly woven tannin, builds up firm pressure, lots of plum, long final." Falstaff

"This is marked by new oak initially, then the plum and cherry flavors shine through. Vibrant, with leather and earth elements joining in before the oak spice and tannins frame the finish. Fresh and complex, with a lot going on—just needs time." Wine Spectator

"Bright and vibrant, the trademark lively and vibrant acidity at the fore straight away giving life and lift to the caramelised cherries, pomegranates and strawberry fruit. The wood is a little apparent, giving the frame a spiced edge that sticks out a little and pulls the fruit forwardness back a bit. Clearly powerful, there is a richness and ripeness to the fruit with massy tannins. Nuanced and generous with precision and focus from beginning to the end." Decanter

"This celebrated Tuscan red is a blend of mostly Sangiovese with a smaller part of Malvasia Nera. The Castellare di Castellina 2018 I Sodi di S. Niccolò shows the elegance and grace of these native grapes with aromas of red and purple fruit, cherry, wild rose and gardening soil. However, there is also a strong oak element that adds spice and toast to the bouquet and textural weight to the wine's generous build." Wine Advocate

"A vibrant, balanced and fresh red with raspberries, pomegranates, cherry stones and spice box on the nose. Sleek, tight tannins. Focused, with a very fine structure and wound-up energy." James Suckling

"The 2018 I Sodi di San Niccolò is the most elegant Sodi I have ever tasted, and I have tasted them all. Sodi can be quite the bruiser in its youth, as the tannins are often imposing, but the 2018 is impressive because there is more than enough fruit to balance things out. Dark cherry, plum, lavender, spice and gravel build in a Sodi endowed with mind-blowing purity and exceptional finesse. Superb!" Vinous

The wine icon, rare every year and very highly rated, presents itself in a shiny, rich ruby. On the nose, crisp berry fruit, ripe dark cherries, sweet plums and delicate notes of cinnamon. In the mouth it is full-bodied and firm, very juicy, unfolds a finely woven tannin and glides in a wide arc into a powerful, long final. A great wine full of tension and elegance. SUPERIORE.DE

"Dense, sweet and with great seductiveness, it smells out of the glass with lots of chocolate and nutty aromas. Fine-grained and clearly structured on the palate, it has excellent breed with playful acidity, which in turn gives it depth and length. Impressively typical I Sodi, which has never lost its traditional character. Even though it was one of the more modern top wines from Tuscany in the 90s because of its ageing in barriques, today it has to be classified rather with the classics." Weinwisser

"Rich, sparkling ruby with a slightly pale rim. Opens clear and deep on the nose, with plums and blackberries, discreet smoky notes, some cardamom. Firm and sturdy on the palate, shows lots of tightly woven tannin, builds up firm pressure, lots of plum, long final." Falstaff

"This is marked by new oak initially, then the plum and cherry flavors shine through. Vibrant, with leather and earth elements joining in before the oak spice and tannins frame the finish. Fresh and complex, with a lot going on—just needs time." Wine Spectator

"Bright and vibrant, the trademark lively and vibrant acidity at the fore straight away giving life and lift to the caramelised cherries, pomegranates and strawberry fruit. The wood is a little apparent, giving the frame a spiced edge that sticks out a little and pulls the fruit forwardness back a bit. Clearly powerful, there is a richness and ripeness to the fruit with massy tannins. Nuanced and generous with precision and focus from beginning to the end." Decanter

"This celebrated Tuscan red is a blend of mostly Sangiovese with a smaller part of Malvasia Nera. The Castellare di Castellina 2018 I Sodi di S. Niccolò shows the elegance and grace of these native grapes with aromas of red and purple fruit, cherry, wild rose and gardening soil. However, there is also a strong oak element that adds spice and toast to the bouquet and textural weight to the wine's generous build." Wine Advocate

"A vibrant, balanced and fresh red with raspberries, pomegranates, cherry stones and spice box on the nose. Sleek, tight tannins. Focused, with a very fine structure and wound-up energy." James Suckling

"The 2018 I Sodi di San Niccolò is the most elegant Sodi I have ever tasted, and I have tasted them all. Sodi can be quite the bruiser in its youth, as the tannins are often imposing, but the 2018 is impressive because there is more than enough fruit to balance things out. Dark cherry, plum, lavender, spice and gravel build in a Sodi endowed with mind-blowing purity and exceptional finesse. Superb!" Vinous