April 4, 2025
97 Points for Castellares Icon: I Sodi 2021 outshinning 2018 & 2019
2021 Castellare I Sodi San Niccolo
Scoring 97 points, it surpasses even the highly regarded 2018 and 2019 vintages.
Castellare di Castellina, a gem in the Chianti Classico region, has been under the stewardship of Paolo Panerai since the late 1970s. A successful entrepreneur with a vast publishing empire, Panerai has focused on elevating the estate's reputation. Although less recognised than trendier estates, Castellare consistently impresses with its wines, and recent years have shown a marked increase in quality across the range, particularly among entry-level bottlings, solidifying its status as a producer of exceptional wines.
I Sodi di San Niccolò is Castellare's flagship wine, renowned for its quality and regarded as an icon of Chianti Classico. This wine is predominantly composed of 85% Sangioveto (Sangiovese), the true name of Tuscany’s indigenous red variety, and 15% Malvasia Nera. The grapes are sourced from a vineyard at the heart of the estate, characterised by loose bunches and naturally low vigour. Meticulously crafted, I Sodi undergoes fermentation in stainless steel and is racked into concrete for malolactic fermentation. It matures for 24 months in French oak barrels, roughly 50% new.
We’ve long reported that 2021 was a fantastic vintage in Tuscany and we’re incredibly excited to present the 2021 vintage of I Sodi San Niccolo. The wine boasts a double 97-point score from Decanter and Jane Anson who both singled out the wine as one of the top March releases. The 2021 surpassed other top vintages such as 2018 and 2019.
Today we have a special mailing list special at €52.50 In Bond per bottle. The wine comes in a beautiful 6x75cl OWC for those wishing to buy in full cases. With high scores from wine critics and a fantastic case price, this is a dream offer for Sangiovese lovers.
For case buyers, the 6x75cl OWC is:
"Castellare is one of the many Chianti Classico estates that flies under the radar. Readers will find much to admire in these classically inspired wines, including a terrific edition of the flagship I Sodi di San Niccolò, which remains one of the most iconic pure Sangioveses in Tuscany." - Antonio Galloni, Vinous
Castellare I Sodi San Niccolo 2021
97 Points | Decanter, Georgina Hindle
Cocoa powder and red berries on the nose, some softly ferrous notes with tobacco and rose florality. Thick and glossy but lively with lots of life and energy. This is broad and powerful, complex and muscular with flesh and chew. Tannins are grippy but they're joined by mouthwatering acidity that lifts the expression. Sun-kissed black fruit and spiced on the finish. It still feels a little compact at this stage, but is full of concentration and finesse with graphite, slate and a bloody tang on the finish. Grapes come from the best two crus of the estate. 2021 saw the latest harvest ever at the estate finishing on October 20th. Winemaker Alessandro Cellai. All I Sodi wines feature endangered bird species on the label, this one is the orange-headed bunting.
97 Points | Jane Anson
A wonderfully balanced vintage in Tuscany, and this wine, which is always one to follow, just slow burns into brilliance. What I mean by that is that there is a delicacy immediately evident, savoury broth and crushed rose petals on the opening, gentle woodsmoke and fragrant raspberry leaf and redcurrant fruits. Its tannins give a gentle caress. Alessandro Cellai winemaker, 66% new oak, 10 months in bottle after barrel ageing.