Introduction
Castellare di Castellina Chianti Classico 2023 is a quintessential expression of Sangiovese, demonstrating the elegance, structure, and vibrant fruit that define the renowned Chianti Classico DOCG in Tuscany, Italy. This historic region, nestled between Florence and Siena, is the heartland of Sangiovese, where wines are characterized by their savory complexity, high acidity, and firm tannins, making them exceptionally food-friendly. Castellare di Castellina is a prestigious estate known for its commitment to traditional Tuscan winemaking, eschewing international varietals in its Chianti Classico in favor of Sangiovese and a small percentage of Canaiolo, and famously featuring a different bird on its label each year to highlight environmental preservation. The 2023 vintage in Tuscany was generally favorable, yielding grapes with excellent ripeness and balanced acidity, positioning this Chianti Classico as a vibrant, authentic, and potentially age-worthy testament to both Castellare’s expertise and the region’s enduring legacy.
Character Description
The Castellare di Castellina Chianti Classico 2023 displays a brilliant, medium ruby-red hue, often with hints of garnet at the rim. It offers an intensely aromatic and classic bouquet of bright red cherry, tart sour cherry, and fresh plum, elegantly interwoven with nuanced notes of violets, dried herbs (like oregano and thyme), a hint of earthy tobacco, and a subtle balsamic touch. On the palate, it delivers a medium to full-bodied and wonderfully vibrant texture, with concentrated red fruit and savory flavors that mirror the nose. It’s supported by firm, yet beautifully integrated tannins that provide superb structure and a long, expansive finish, balanced by a lively, refreshing acidity that ensures freshness and remarkable precision. The finish is persistent, clean, and exceptionally balanced, leaving a lingering impression of tart red fruit, savory notes, and the profound depth characteristic of a true Chianti Classico.
Perfect Pairings
This vibrant and authentic Chianti Classico is an exceptional partner for a wide range of traditional Italian and Mediterranean dishes, perfectly complementing the rustic yet refined cuisine of Tuscany. It pairs beautifully with classic pasta dishes with tomato-based sauces (like ragù or spaghetti al pomodoro), pizza with savory toppings, and roasted or grilled red meats such as Florentine steak or wild boar. Its firm tannins and bright acidity also make it an ideal accompaniment to cured meats (salami, prosciutto), aged Pecorino cheese, and hearty stews. The wine’s approachable yet structured profile makes it a fantastic choice for a casual weeknight dinner, a lively gathering with friends, or for those who appreciate a classic, food-friendly red wine that delivers immense character and pleasure.
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, while shunning the use of international grapes for their Chianti Classico 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 and authenticity in the Chianti Classico appellation.
