96pts James Suckling

Complex and deeply embedded aromas of ripe blackberries, spices and aromatic bark. Full-bodied and very firm for now, with impressive concentration of fruit and tannin. Very long, balanced finish. Great to taste now, but this is one for the cellar. Patience will be rewarded. Sangiovese and malvasia nera. This has always been a top Tuscan red.

96pts Decanter

Super fragranced nose, patchouli, pot pourri, Turkish Delight, rose with caramelised red berries and a touch of smoke and incense - all quiet forward and expressive. The nose alone you could smell for hours such is its complexity and beguiling nature. Powerful and concentrated on the palate, this is broad and muscular, sinewy with depth and determination. Tannins are well integrated, really giving the support to the fruit and acidity, driving the flavours forward despite the clear weight and hold. Fragranced red berries continue on the palate with a touch of stone, graphite and matchstick. Rich and big on the mid palate, becoming more focussed towards the finish. Cleary well made with lots going on. Acidity is great, it's cool, clean, sleek and packed full of flavour. Almost too much, this is a big wine, so needs time, but has lots of appeal and mouthwatering freshness throughout. Released on the 9th March. Director and winemaker Alessandro Cellai.

95pts Robert Parker's The Wine Advocate

This is a long-celebrated blend of 85% Sangioveto (another name for Sangiovese) and 15% Malvasia Nera from one of the headline estates of Castellina in Chianti. The Castellare di Castellina 2019 I Sodi di S. Niccolò...opens to soft texture and medium weight with dark aromas of blackcurrant and cherry. Those aromas show an earthy or savory side that comes through to the palate. The wine closes with sweet tannins, and this vintage boasts a solid build overall...

95pts Wine Spectator

An intense, vibrant red marked by haunting scents of violet, black cherry, blackberry, wild rosemary, eucalyptus and iron. Supple and open, yet with solid structure underneath. This wine's precision balance renders it approachable now, yet this will be better in two to three years. Spicy aftertaste. Sangioveto and Malvasia Nera.

95pts Antonio Galloni (VINOUS)

The 2019 I Sodi di San Niccolò is another fabulous wine from Castellare. At this stage, the 2019 is an infant. The purity of the fruit is compelling. Despite its considerable intensity, the 2019 appears to have less forbidding tannins than in many years, which should allow it to drink well with minimal cellaring. Blood orange, sweet spice, leather and cedar linger on the stylish finish.

Winemaker Notes

In the glass, this proprietary blend exudes a mesmerizing deep red hue that hints at the intensity and complexity that awaits. As you bring the glass to your nose, a symphony of aromas unfolds. Ripe cherry and blackberry notes dance alongside hints of dried herbs and a touch of leather. Each swirl reveals a new layer of captivating scents, inviting you to delve deeper into the experience.

On the palate, the 2019 Castellare di Castellina I Sodi di San Niccolo Vino da Tavola showcases impeccable balance and structure. The rich fruit flavors harmonize with the well-integrated tannins, creating a velvety-smooth texture that caresses your palate. The wine's medium to full body carries the flavors with elegance, while a vibrant acidity adds freshness and liveliness to the experience.

This red marvel is a true homage to the Tuscan terroir, capturing the essence of the region with every sip. The meticulous craftsmanship of Castellare di Castellina is evident in the wine's impeccable balance and seamless integration of flavors. It is a testament to the winery's commitment to producing wines of exceptional quality that showcase the unique character of Tuscany.

The 2019 Castellare di Castellina I Sodi di San Niccolo Vino da Tavola is a wine that will undoubtedly leave a lasting impression. Whether enjoyed on its own or paired with a sumptuous Italian feast, this red gem is sure to elevate any occasion. So, dear wine enthusiasts, do not miss the opportunity to savor this remarkable expression of Tuscan excellence.

Winery Notes

Poderi Castellare di Castellina is a Tuscan wine estate located in the heart of the Chianti Classico area, close to the village of Castellina. It was formed in 1968 by the consolidation of five farms. Since the last 70’s, the estate has belonged to Paolo Panerai who also owns Feudi del Pisciotto, Gurra di Mare in Sicily, and a joint venture with Domaines Barons de Rothschild in Maremma called Rocca di Frassinello.

Castellare has roughly 33 hectares of vineyards, 12 hectares of olive-groves, 15 hectares of mixed cultivation, and also forest. Vine age is between 5 and 30 years. Ideal exposure to the sun, good drainage, a mixed ground of calcareous marls, galestro and little clay give both red and white wines structure and depth for a long aging in bottle.

In addition to the flagship wine, I Sodi di San Niccolo, the estate produces Chianti Classicos, Riservas, varietal and white wines.