In the glass
Aroma: red cherry, violet, leather, graphite
Palate: dark plum, wild fennel, iron, tobacco
Single-vineyard Gran Selezione from the Picchio parcel at Lucolena, Sangiovese-led with a small Cabernet support.
What it pairs with
-
Bistecca alla fiorentina
Find bistecca alla fiorentina on TableJourney →
Picchio's structure matches a T-bone. -
Wild boar pappardelle
Find wild boar pappardelle on TableJourney →
Sangiovese and game-leather classic. -
Aged Pecorino Toscano
Cheese acidity refreshes the wine's cherry register.
How to serve Castello di Querceto Il Picchio
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. Bistecca alla fiorentina, Wild boar pappardelle, Aged Pecorino Toscano. Match the wine's structure to the dish's fat and salt.
History
Castello di Querceto's Vigna designation from the Picchio parcel at Lucolena in Greve, first vintage 1988 and Gran Selezione from 2010.
- 1988 — First Il Picchio Vigna designation
- 2010 — Reclassified Gran Selezione
Facts
- Producer
- Castello di Querceto
- Grapes
- Sangiovese (95%), Cabernet Sauvignon (5%)
- Classification
- Chianti Classico DOCG Gran Selezione
- Oak
- 24 months in French oak barriques
- ABV
- 14.0%
- Price
- EUR 40 to 60 at retail
- Drinking window
- 5 to 15 from vintage
- First vintage
- 1988
Scores
- Wine Advocate 93 (2019 vintage, reviewed 2022)
Frequently asked about Castello di Querceto Il Picchio
What does Castello di Querceto Il Picchio taste like?
On the nose, red cherry, violet, leather, graphite. On the palate, dark plum, wild fennel, iron, tobacco. Structurally full-bodied, firm tannins, high acidity with a long finish. Single-vineyard Gran Selezione from the Picchio parcel at Lucolena, Sangiovese-led with a small Cabernet support.
When should I drink Castello di Querceto Il Picchio?
Drink 5 to 15 from vintage. Young vintages benefit from 30-90 minutes of decanting; mature bottles should be handled carefully for sediment.
What food pairs with Castello di Querceto Il Picchio?
Bistecca alla fiorentina is the canonical pairing. Other strong matches include Wild boar pappardelle and Aged Pecorino Toscano. Picchio's structure matches a T-bone.
What grapes are in Castello di Querceto Il Picchio?
The blend is Sangiovese (95%), Cabernet Sauvignon (5%). The wine is classified as Chianti Classico DOCG Gran Selezione.