Chianti Classico Riserva DOCG

Famiglia Castellani has farmed the Chianti Classico zone since the 19th century, anchoring production in the limestone-rich hills south of Florence where Sangiovese reaches full phenolic maturity. This Riserva expression—released only in vintages meeting strict ripeness thresholds—spends minimum 24 months in large oak, preserving the varietal's mineral spine while softening its edges through extended aging on lees.

The vineyard sites sit at 300–400 metres elevation on clay-limestone soils typical of the Classico heartland, where diurnal temperature swings force slow sugar accumulation and preserve acidity even in ripe years. Sangiovese (minimum 80% by DOCG law) forms the core; small percentages of Canaiolo and Colorino add textural depth and colour stability. Fermentation occurs in temperature-controlled stainless steel, followed by malolactic conversion in large Slavonian oak—a choice that emphasizes tannin integration over new-wood spice.

The Riserva designation demands three years total aging (24 months minimum in wood) before release, a regime that rounds the wine's youthful edges while preserving the dried-cherry and iron-oxide character Sangiovese demands. Drink 2024–2032.