2019 Castellare Chianti Classico Riserva Vigna Il Poggiale
From a Leader in the Tuscan Wine Renaissance
January 22, 2024
The cock crows Chianti Classico
In the 1970s, Paolo Panerai bought four farms in Castellina in Chianti. He launched extensive research on clonal selection for Sangiovese, crop yields, planting density, and indigenous fermentation and banned the use of pesticides and herbicides. This last was his attempt to help save the endangered songbirds of the region. The Castellare estate was born. At the time, things in Chianti Classico were improving everywhere.
I met Paolo’s winemaker and estate manager, Alessandro Cellai, in the 1980s, and we tasted his wines. I remember thinking that of the hundreds of wineries in Tuscany, this was undoubtedly among the top five. The 2019 Castellare Chianti Classico Riserva Vigna Il Poggiale is the latest in a growing history of genuinely outstanding wines produced at the estate.
Il Poggiale is a top single vineyard planted 100% to Sangioveto. These are high-elevation old vines planted in the natural amphitheater that is Castellare. 2019 is a great vintage, and the balance in this wine is remarkable. It is rich yet refined, drinkable now, and will age well for many years.
2019 Castellare Chianti Classico Riserva Vigna Il Poggiale: Bright ruby. Aromas and flavors of deep cherry, violet, wildflowers, and mild spice. Rich flavors on the palate over a perfect frame of acidity and a balanced tannic deep fruit finish. Excellent 48/bottle
Special case: 12 bottles of the above for a special price of $489 (40.75/bottle)
Special six pack: 6 bottles of the above for a special price of $258 (43/bottle)
arrives this week
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- Peter Hemenway
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