Castellare Vinsanto S.Niccolo 2014, Chianti Classico DOC, Italy

Castellare di Castellina, in the heart of the Chianti Classico region, covers a total of 80 hectares – including 20 occupied by olive groves. The vineyards occupy 33 hectares on the hillsides of a natural south-east facing amphitheatre, at an average height of 370 meters above sea level. Excellent exposure to the sun, good water drainage and a mixed soil containing limestone marl, galestro and little clay produce well-structured, intense wines, both red and white, suitable for long ageing in the bottle. This wine is neither too dry nor too sweet. Produced in strict accordance with tradition, but with Malvasia Bianca and a small amount of Trebbiano grapes dried out in an aired area and not on ‘cannicci’ (special wicker surfaces). And then in half-barriques with 20 to 30 year old deposits (‘madri’). Aged 5 years in oak and chestnut half-barriques. Refinement in the bottle: 8 months. Vineyard altitude: 350/400. Soil type: Fine soil with little skeleton.