Posted By Joel on June 1, 2009

Castellare Chianti Classico 2005, DOCG

Who is the little fellow pictured on this wine’s label?

Allow me introduce you to Stiaccino (Saxicola Rubetra) - aka Winchat. The migratory Stiaccino has lovely dark, contrasting colors, and loves to hang out, posing attractively atop posts, wires, and stalks.  So, what’s the connection to wine, your wondering?  The thoughtless agricultural doings of man have so disturbed the Stiaccino’s ability to find insects and seeds that it is now becoming rare - a cautious reminder of the need to respect and care for the earth.  Every year, Castellare chooses a declining bird species to represent on their bottle labels as a sign of the company’s commitment to earth friendly cultivation practices in the production of their wines.  Indeed, Castellare avoids the use of pesticides, herbicides, and other chemicals.  Also, to note, hunting on the estate property is prohibited.

Toward the end of the 1960’s, the consolidation of 5 farms gave birth to Castellare di Castellina.  The latter half of the ’70s brought an acquisition by Paolo Panerai, a successful publisher from Milan.

The Castellare property is located nearby the the village of Castellina in Tuscany, in the heart of Chianti Classico, and has approximately 33 hectares under vine.  With good sun exposure, drainage, and soil - calcareous marl, galestro, a bit of clay - these vineyards typically produce nicely structured wines with medium to long ageing potential.

NOTE:  In these parts, Sangiovese is known with local pride as “Sangioveto”, so we’ll refer to it that way here.

This Castellare Chianti Classico is born from vineyards with a southeast orientation at 410m / 1300ft above sea level.  Vines average 20 years old.  The wine is made from Sangioveto and a small percentage of Canaiolo, and fermented in steel for 15-20 days at controlled temperature. Then, a bit of time spent ageing in used French barrique (7 months) followed by a half year in bottle.

Tasting Notes / Impressions:

A beautifully intense ruby color.  Fruity layers of red currant and cherry surf above bright acid and good minerality embellished by notes of herb, mint, and tobacco.   A lingering, structured finish showcases ripe, balanced tannins.  A charming Chianti Classico.

Food Pairing Suggestions:

Poulty:  try this wine with herb roasted turkey or game hen; Pasta: a rustic pappardelle with rabbit sauce;  Meat: grilled steak seasoned with garlic, olive oil, rosemary; pork roast with potatoes and pancetta; pork chops stuffed with porcini; lamb stew with pancetta

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Categories: $ (Under $25), Tuscany, Uncategorized, Wine
Tags: Sangiovese