In the glass
Aroma: dried cherry, tobacco, leather, rosehip
Palate: red plum, wild fennel, iron, balsamic
Old-school Sangiovese Riserva from Castelnuovo Berardenga, long-aged in large Slavonian botti.
What it pairs with
-
Roast pigeon
Tobacco and game-bird flavours echo. -
Bistecca alla fiorentina
Find bistecca alla fiorentina on TableJourney →
Old-vine Sangiovese handles the T-bone. -
Aged Pecorino di Pienza
Crystalline cheese matches red-fruit acid.
How to serve Castell'in Villa Chianti Classico Riserva
Allow 95 minutes from open to pour.
- Open and decant. Open 90 minutes before serving and pour into a decanter to aerate.
- Serve at 16-18°C. Cellar temperature (16-18°C) is the band for this style. Warmer pushes alcohol forward; colder dampens aromatics.
- Glassware. Use a large Bordeaux-style glass: the bowl shape rewards the wine's structure.
- Pair with. Roast pigeon, Bistecca alla fiorentina, Aged Pecorino di Pienza. Match the wine's structure to the dish's fat and salt.
History
Coralia Pignatelli has produced traditionally styled Chianti Classico Riserva at Castell'in Villa since 1971. Bottlings routinely sleep a decade before release.
- 1971 — Pignatelli family establishes the estate
Facts
- Producer
- Castell'in Villa
- Grapes
- Sangiovese (100%)
- Classification
- Chianti Classico DOCG Riserva
- Oak
- 24 to 30 months in large Slavonian oak casks
- ABV
- 13.5%
- Price
- EUR 45 to 75 at retail
- Drinking window
- 10 to 30 from vintage
- First vintage
- 1971
Scores
- Wine Advocate 94 (2016 vintage, reviewed 2020)
- Vinous 94 (2016 vintage, reviewed 2020)
Frequently asked about Castell'in Villa Chianti Classico Riserva
What does Castell'in Villa Chianti Classico Riserva taste like?
On the nose, dried cherry, tobacco, leather, rosehip. On the palate, red plum, wild fennel, iron, balsamic. Structurally full-bodied, firm tannins, high acidity with a long finish. Old-school Sangiovese Riserva from Castelnuovo Berardenga, long-aged in large Slavonian botti.
When should I drink Castell'in Villa Chianti Classico Riserva?
Drink 10 to 30 from vintage. Young vintages benefit from 30-90 minutes of decanting; mature bottles should be handled carefully for sediment.
What food pairs with Castell'in Villa Chianti Classico Riserva?
Roast pigeon is the canonical pairing. Other strong matches include Bistecca alla fiorentina and Aged Pecorino di Pienza. Tobacco and game-bird flavours echo.
What grapes are in Castell'in Villa Chianti Classico Riserva?
The blend is Sangiovese (100%). The wine is classified as Chianti Classico DOCG Riserva.