The producer

About Castellare di Castellina

Castellare di Castellina was formed in the 1970s from four estates (Castellare, Caselle, San Niccolò and Le Case) on the initiative of Paolo Panerai, with the aim of producing wine of the best possible quality. I Sodi di San Niccolò is the estate’s top wine.

The estate distinguishes between fields, the more easily worked terrain, and sodi, the hardest soils, which are the best for growing vines. It produces wine according to the Tuscan method and uses only indigenous Tuscan grape varieties.

With the Universities of Milan and Florence, directed by Professor Attilio Scienza, Castellare created the first experimental vineyard in the Chianti region and carried out the first scientific selection of Sangiovese clones, called Sangioveto locally. It also introduced the barrique, following research and advice from the oenologist Emile Peynaud.

A sculpture by Matteo Spender in the centre of Castellina is dedicated to the Mezzadri, who ran the estates as neither owners nor labourers.

The vineyard

I Sodi di San Niccolò

The vineyard sits in the hills of a natural amphitheatre facing south-west. It is an experimental vineyard planted in collaboration with the Universities of Milan and Florence and the Istituto di San Michele all’Adige, for ongoing research into grape clones.

Sun exposure is good, and a small amount of clay allows water to drain. The soil is low in organic content, which reduces nitrogen and yield per hectare. The grapes have a high percentage of polyphenols, with complexity and concentration carried into the wine.

The word “sodi” was used by Tuscan peasants for soils that are hard and stiff to work.

Critic review

Wine Spectator

Wine details

At a glance