Castellare Chianti Classico - Bundle & Save

Castellare di Castellina Chianti Classico originates from Italy, within the Tuscany region and the heart of the Chianti Classico DOCG zone near the village of Castellina in Chianti. Founded in 1977 through the merger of four estates by Paolo Panerai, Castellare is renowned for its steadfast commitment to native Tuscan grape varieties and environmental conservation. The vineyard plots sit at high altitudes (around 350 to 400 meters) on natural amphitheater slopes featuring limestone-marl (albarese) soils. Instantly recognizable by its iconic label featuring rare native birds—symbolizing the estate's strict prohibition of synthetic chemicals—Castellare’s winemaking philosophy fuses organic integrity, high-elevation freshness, and classical Tuscan Sangiovese character.

Wine Description

This red wine displays a luminous, translucent ruby-red appearance in the glass with subtle garnet highlights toward the rim. It possesses a medium-bodied, linear, and elegantly structured profile defined by a silky, fluid, and mouth-refreshing texture. The sensory profile is fragrant, precise, and classic, opening with an inviting bouquet of fresh red cherries, wild raspberries, and tart red plums, interwoven with delicate secondary aromas of dried violets, wild thyme, leather, cedar, and crushed stone minerality. On the palate, it delivers a focused, energetic core of crunchy red fruit balanced by a bright, mouthwatering thread of natural acidity and fine-grained, firm tannins. The finish is remarkably clean, dry, and persistent, leaving lingering echoes of licorice, savory herbs, and sour cherry.

• Varietal Composition: 90% Sangioveto (the traditional local name for Sangiovese) and 10% Canaiolo. Notably, Castellare strictly excludes international varieties like Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot from its Chianti Classico.

• Stylistic Notes: The grapes are hand-harvested from high-altitude hillside plots. Fermentation takes place in temperature-controlled stainless steel vats with traditional maceration on the skins. The wine undergoes aging for approximately 7 to 12 months in used French oak barrels (barriques and tonneaux) to soften tannins while preserving pure varietal aromatics and vibrant freshness, followed by several months of bottle maturation.

• ABV: Typically 13.5%.

• Organic Status: Produced using organic and eco-friendly viticultural methods with zero synthetic pesticides, herbicides, or systemic fungicides to protect local bird species, though this standard bottling is not certified organic.

Food Pairing

The vibrant natural acidity, firm tannic structure, and bright red fruit profile of Castellare Chianti Classico make it a quintessential partner for classic Tuscan and Italian cuisine.

• Meats & Pasta: Pairs magnificently with traditional Tuscan dishes like Tagliatelle al Ragù di Chianina, herb-crusted grilled pork chops, pan-seared veal cutlets, or roasted chicken with rosemary.

• Italian Classics: Ideal alongside stone-baked margherita or prosciutto pizza, eggplant parmesan, and charcuterie boards with Prosciutto di Parma and Finocchiona salami.

• Earthy Dishes: Complements mushroom risottos, pasta with porcini sauce, and Tuscan white bean stews with sage and olive oil.

• Cheeses: Matches gracefully with medium-aged Italian cheeses such as Pecorino Toscano, young Parmigiano-Reggiano, or Fontina.