Introduction
Castellare di Castellina I Sodi di San Niccolò 2017 is an iconic and profound expression of Tuscan winemaking, holding its place as one of the original “Super Tuscans”. While deeply rooted in the Chianti Classico region, this wine transcends traditional DOCG regulations by being a blend primarily of Sangiovese and Malvasia Nera, offering a unique and powerful interpretation of the local terroir without strict adherence to appellation rules. Its name, “I Sodi,” refers to the stony, well-drained soils of its vineyard, contributing to the wine’s intensity and concentration. Castellare di Castellina is a prestigious estate renowned for its commitment to indigenous varietals and sustainable practices. The 2017 vintage in Tuscany was characterized by a warm, dry growing season, leading to wines of notable concentration and ripe fruit, positioning this I Sodi di San Niccolò as a rich, complex, and exceptionally age-worthy testament to both Castellare’s pioneering spirit and the boundless potential of Tuscan viticulture.
Character Description
The Castellare di Castellina I Sodi di San Niccolò 2017 displays a brilliant, deep ruby-red hue, evolving towards garnet with age. It offers an intensely aromatic and complex bouquet of ripe black cherry, dark plum, and blackberry preserves, elegantly interwoven with sophisticated notes of tobacco leaf, cedar, roasted coffee, dried herbs (like rosemary), and a distinct balsamic and mineral undertone. 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 velvety 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 profound aging potential. The finish is exceptionally long, nuanced, and remarkably harmonious, leaving a lingering impression of savory complexity, dark fruit intensity, and the noble depth characteristic of a truly great Super Tuscan.
Perfect Pairings
This profound and structured Super Tuscan is an exceptional partner for the most robust and refined Italian and international dishes, perfectly complementing rich, savory flavors. It pairs beautifully with slow-braised beef short ribs, roasted lamb with rosemary and garlic, wild boar ragu with fresh pasta, and aged game meats. Its firm tannins and complex flavors also make it an ideal accompaniment to hard, aged cheeses like Parmigiano-Reggiano, mature Pecorino, or aged Montasio, and truffle-infused dishes. The wine’s noble structure and evolving complexity make it a fantastic choice for a grand celebratory meal, a distinguished dinner, or for those who appreciate a powerful, age-worthy red wine that develops beautifully over time. Decanting for at least two hours 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 like Sangiovese and Malvasia Nera, even for their flagship “Super Tuscan” I Sodi di San Niccolò. 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, coupled with their innovative spirit in crafting wines that transcend traditional categories, has solidified Castellare di Castellina’s position as a benchmark for quality, authenticity, and leadership in Tuscan winemaking.
