“I Sodi di San Niccolò" Toscana IGT 2020

Castellare di Castellina | Tuscany
Castellare di Castellina | Str. Provinc. di Castagnoli 14-15 | IT 53011 Castellina in Chianti

29302420 · 0,75 l · 101,33 €/l · Price (DE) incl. VAT, excl. Shipping7 units available

In the crypt of a 14th century church, deep beneath the altar of the small San Niccolò chapel, the flagship of Castellare is maturing. Here, where monks once prayed, another act of devotion takes place today – the transformation of grapes into a wine that has awed international critics for over four decades. I Sodi di San Niccolò is more than just a name; it is the essence of Tuscan wine mysticism. "Sodi" – is what the Tuscan farmers called those hard, stony soils that were too heavy for a team of oxen and could only be worked by hand. These barren, calcareous Galestro soils force the vines to fight for every molecule of water and every nutrient. On these inhospitable slopes, which form a natural amphitheatre around the estate, Paolo Panerai cultivated a vision in the 1970s: to create a wine with exclusively indigenous grape varieties that could compete with any international Supertuscan.

The cuvée made from 85 per cent Sangioveto – the original, small-berried form of Sangiovese – and 15 per cent Malvasia Nera embodies the courage of tradition in revolutionary times. While other producers favoured Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, Panerai relied on the genetic purity of the original Tuscan vines. The almost extinct Malvasia Nera, which was abandoned in many places due to its low yields, gives the wine that unnerving strength and breed that makes it unmistakable.

In the glass, an intense red with garnet-coloured reflections reveals exceptional depth and concentration. The bouquet is a Mediterranean symphony: rose petals, lavender and wild herbs mingle with dark cherry, sweet spices and a mineral precision that seems to speak directly from the stony terroir. The true greatness of this legendary wine is revealed on the palate – velvety tannins of silky finesse envelop a powerful structure, while the characteristic acidity of the Sangioveto provides freshness and tension. SUPERIORE.DE

"Deep and dark aromas of Mediterranean herbs, restrained black cherries and austere, earthy complexity. Firm on the palate, with full body, velvety tannins, crisp acidity and a chalky finish. Long aftertaste with roasted graphite. A wine that is meant for the long haul, but will be ready to drink in a year or two." James Suckling

"Packed with ripe, juicy cherry, blackberry, pomegranate and floral aromas and flavours, this red is supple and beautifully integrated. Accents of earth, iron and tobacco add detail, while the languid, resonant aftertaste shows great energy." Wine Spectator

"The 2020 I Sodi di San Niccolò is fabulous. It is a rare wine that simultaneously offers power, finesse and translucent energy. All elements are in perfect balance. I can't remember a Sodi like this, a wine that is so complete and seductive from the start. Rose petals, lavender, spices, orange peel and sage kick things off. What impresses me most about the 2020 is the finesse of its tannins, something I've very rarely seen in Sodi at this early stage. Magical. It's remarkable in every way." Vinous