Castellare di Castellina I Sodi di San Niccolo 2021

Castellare di Castellina I Sodi di San Niccolò 2021 is a benchmark Tuscan red and the undisputed flagship of this historic estate. Crafted from old-vine Sangiovese with a touch of Malvasia Nera, it showcases the noble character of native Tuscan varieties with remarkable finesse and depth. Regularly celebrated in Wine Spectator’s Top 100 and awarded top honors by Gambero Rosso and Bibenda, it stands as one of Italy’s most acclaimed and collectible wines.

Tasting Notes
In the glass, the 2021 I Sodi di San Niccolò shows a deep, vibrant ruby core with garnet highlights at the rim, hinting at both concentration and structure. The nose opens with pure red and dark cherry, wild berries, and dried rose petals, followed by notes of tobacco leaf, cedar, sweet spices and a subtle balsamic undertone. With air, more complexity emerges: hints of leather, black tea, graphite and a delicate touch of Mediterranean herbs. On the palate, this is a powerful yet finely chiselled wine: firm, polished tannins frame layers of juicy cherry, plum and blackberry, supported by a lively, mouthwatering acidity that is quintessential Tuscan. Flavors of cocoa, licorice, sandalwood and a touch of savory earthiness add depth through the long, persistent finish. The 2021 vintage is poised and youthful, built for longevity; it can be enjoyed now with proper aeration, but will reward patience. Expect an aging potential of 15–20 years from vintage, during which it will gain further aromatic complexity and silkier texture.

Production
I Sodi di San Niccolò comes from some of Castellare di Castellina’s best hillside vineyards in the heart of Chianti Classico, rooted in poor, stony soils (the “sodi”) rich in limestone and clay. These demanding, low-fertility parcels naturally limit yields, concentrating flavor and structure in the Sangiovese and Malvasia Nera grapes. Grapes are typically harvested by hand, parcel by parcel, with strict selection of only the healthiest, ripest bunches. In the cellar, vinification is carried out in temperature-controlled vessels to preserve aromatic purity and terroir expression, followed by extended maceration to extract fine tannins and color. The wine is then aged in oak (often a mix of barrique and larger casks) for an extended period, and further refined in bottle before release, resulting in a wine of both power and elegance.

Food & Serving
This wine shines alongside classic Tuscan cuisine: bistecca alla fiorentina, grilled or roasted lamb, game dishes (wild boar, venison), and rich ragù over pappardelle are all superb matches. It also pairs beautifully with aged pecorino, Parmigiano Reggiano, truffle dishes and hearty mushroom preparations. Serve at 16–18°C (60–64°F) in large Bordeaux-style glasses to allow the bouquet to unfold. Decant for 1–2 hours in its youth to soften the tannins and fully express the aromatic complexity; older bottles may require a gentler, shorter decant primarily to separate sediment.

Producer
Castellare di Castellina is a renowned estate in the Chianti Classico zone of Tuscany, founded in the 1970s with a clear focus on showcasing indigenous grape varieties and the unique terroir of Castellina in Chianti. Over the decades, it has become one of the region’s most respected producers, helping redefine the image of Tuscan wines on the world stage. I Sodi di San Niccolò, first released in the late 1970s, was among the pioneering Tuscan reds to prove that native grapes like Sangiovese and Malvasia Nera could produce world-class, cellar-worthy wines without relying on international varieties. Today, Castellare’s meticulous vineyard work, environmentally conscious practices, and a long track record of high ratings and prestigious awards have cemented its status as a reference point for premium Italian wine.

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