Castellare Di Castellina

Castellare is located on 46-acres in the heart of the Classico zone, near the town of Castellina. It was born in the 1970s of the union of 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. Panerai had closely studied the world’s best wineries and applied this understanding and experience to viticulture in Italy. He also followed tradition in caring for the vineyards and terrains, producing wine according to the Tuscan method, and respecting Chianti Classico denomination – only using indigenous Tuscan grape varieties.

Vineyards are sited in a natural amphitheater at 1200 feet, amongst the highest elevation in the region. The yield-per-acre is very low, far lower than the maximum level allowed by Chianti Classico DOCG rules, which enhances the concentration of aromas and flavors. Excellent exposure to the sun, good water drainage and a mixed soil produce well-structured, intense wines, both red and white, suitable for long ageing in the bottle.

No synthetic chemicals are used in the Castellare vineyards, out of respect for nature and to enable the production of organic wines. This philosophy is reflected by the labels, which every year carry a drawing of a different bird. These birds are among the rarest creatures in Chianti, threatened by extinction mostly due to synthetic chemical products and hunting, both of which are forbidden on this property.

The Castellare story demonstrates how tradition and innovation can draw the best out of the land, showing the younger generations how the hard work and lives of the Mezzadri – the people who once ran the estates as neither owners nor laborers – has been fundamental in shaping the extraordinary landscape of Chianti.