Introduction
Castellare Chianti Classico Riserva 2021 is a distinguished and age-worthy expression of Sangiovese, representing the pinnacle of quality and tradition from the heart of the Chianti Classico DOCG in Tuscany, Italy. The “Riserva” designation signifies a wine that has undergone extended aging (a minimum of 24 months, including at least 3 months in bottle, though often longer), allowing it to develop greater complexity, softer tannins, and deeper nuances than a standard Chianti Classico. Castellare di Castellina, a celebrated estate, is dedicated to crafting pure, terroir-driven wines, famously utilizing Sangiovese as the primary grape in their Chianti Classico and featuring a different bird on its label each year to highlight environmental preservation. The 2021 vintage in Tuscany was generally favorable, offering optimal conditions for ripeness and structure, positioning this Chianti Classico Riserva as a classic, elegant, and exceptionally age-worthy testament to both Castellare’s expertise and the region’s noble winemaking heritage.
Character Description
The Castellare Chianti Classico Riserva 2021 displays a brilliant, deep ruby-red hue, evolving towards garnet with age. It offers an intensely aromatic and complex bouquet of ripe red cherry, dried sour cherry, and dark plum, elegantly interwoven with sophisticated notes of tobacco leaf, leather, cedar, dried violets, and a hint of forest floor and balsamic spice. On the palate, it delivers a full-bodied and beautifully structured texture, with concentrated dark fruit and savory flavors that mirror the nose. It’s supported by firm, yet exquisitely integrated tannins that provide superb backbone and a long, expansive finish, balanced by a vibrant, persistent acidity that ensures freshness and remarkable precision, indicative of its aging potential. The finish is exceptionally long, nuanced, and remarkably harmonious, leaving a lingering impression of savory complexity, dried fruit, and the profound depth characteristic of a great Chianti Classico Riserva.
Perfect Pairings
This profound and structured Chianti Classico Riserva is an exceptional partner for a wide range of robust and refined Italian and Mediterranean dishes, perfectly complementing the rich culinary traditions of Tuscany. It pairs beautifully with slow-cooked lamb shanks, Tuscan beef stew (Peposo), wild boar ragu with pappardelle, and roasted game meats. Its firm tannins and complex flavors also make it an ideal accompaniment to aged hard cheeses like Parmigiano-Reggiano or Pecorino Toscano, truffle dishes, and charcuterie boards featuring cured meats. The wine’s noble structure and evolving complexity make it a fantastic choice for a special celebratory meal, a distinguished dinner, or for those who appreciate a classic, age-worthy red wine that develops beautifully over time. Decanting for at least an hour is highly recommended to allow its full expression.
About the Winery
Castellare di Castellina is a highly respected winery situated in the heart of the Chianti Classico region in Tuscany, Italy. Established in 1979, the estate quickly gained renown for its unwavering commitment to producing wines that authentically reflect the unique terroir of its vineyards. Their philosophy is deeply rooted in tradition, focusing primarily on native Tuscan grape varieties, especially Sangiovese (which forms the vast majority of their Chianti Classico and Riserva), while purposefully eschewing the use of international grapes in these bottlings. Castellare is also celebrated for its pioneering research into clonal selection of Sangiovese and for its strong dedication to environmental sustainability, famously featuring a different endangered bird on each vintage label. This commitment to both viticultural excellence and ecological preservation has solidified Castellare di Castellina’s position as a benchmark for quality, authenticity, and sustainable practices in the Chianti Classico appellation.
