2020 Castellare - Toscana Rosso IGT I Sodi di San Niccolo Super Tuscan (750ml)

Castellare di Castellina sits in the heart of Castellina in Chianti, an estate that has become known for championing Tuscany's native grape varieties rather than leaning on international ones. Owned by Paolo Panerai since 1979, the winery adopted the goldfinch as its emblem, a nod to its long-standing commitment to biodiversity and organic farming across its vineyards.

I Sodi di San Niccolò is crafted from a blend of roughly 85 to 90 percent Sangioveto, the estate's own Sangiovese clone, and 10 to 15 percent Malvasia Nera, sourced from two of the property's finest vineyard sites. Grapes are typically picked after mid-October, then fermented in temperature-controlled stainless steel before the wine spends up to thirty months aging in barriques, followed by further refinement in bottle before release.

The wine pours a deep ruby with garnet edges and opens with layered aromas of ripe cherry, plum, baking spice, vanilla, and a touch of licorice. On the palate it is dense yet elegant, with fine, well-integrated tannins and lively acidity carrying through to a long, persistent finish. It pairs beautifully with grilled steak, cured meats, or a rich braised short rib.