Castellare di Castellina I Sodi di San Niccolò – 2019

I Sodi: The velvet flagship of iconic winery Castellare

The purity of the fruit is convincing. Violets, black cherry, blackberry, wild rosemary, eucalyptus, and iron. Smooth and open, yet with a firm structure underneath. Blood orange, sweet spices, leather, and cedarwood linger in the stylish finish.

I Sodi di San Niccolò is the flagship of the Chianti Classico house Castellare di Castellina, recognizable by labels with drawings of birds. In the heart of Tuscany you see the Chianti region. This iconic wine was first produced in 1977 and has since been a symbol of quality and tradition. What makes I Sodi di San Niccolò unique is that it is one of the few Super Tuscans made exclusively with only indigenous grape varieties: 85% Sangioveto, a local clone of Sangiovese, and 15% Malvasia NeraIn 1988, this wine achieved a historic feat by becoming the first Italian wine in the Wine Spectator top 100 to be included. This recognition underscores the extraordinary quality and timeless appeal of I Sodi di San Niccolò.

Tasting Note and Culinary Pairings

Castellare di Castellina I Sodi di San Niccolò has a deep, full flavour with a perfectly balanced structure. On the palate, you taste ripe cherries, blackcurrants, and a hint of plums, supported by silky tannins. Subtle notes of spices, tobacco, and a touch of oak add extra depth to the wine. The finish is long and refined, with a hint of vanilla and dark chocolate. This wine pairs excellently with rich dishes such as ossobuco, roasted lamb, or game. The complexity of I Sodi di San Niccolò also comes fully into its own with aged cheeses.

Castellare di Castellina, leading and progressive

Castellare di Castellina I Sodi di San Niccolò is produced by the renowned winery Castellare di Castellina, located in the beautiful Chianti region of Tuscany. The vineyards are situated on the hills surrounding the picturesque village of Castellina in Chianti, where the soil is rich in limestone and clay. This unique terroir, together with the warm, sunny climate, ensures high-quality grapes. The wine is made using traditional methods, with fermentation in stainless steel tanks and aging for 24 months in French oak barrels. The result is an elegant and characterful wine that manages to capture the essence of Tuscany in every bottle. Castellare di Castellina I Sodi di San Niccolò is a true embodiment of Tuscan tradition and craftsmanship, perfect for special moments.

Birds on the labels and organic since 1977

Every year, Castellare di Castellina features a different bird species on the label. They have been doing this since 1977. The birds depicted are birds of the typical Chianti landscape that are threatened by, among other things, the use of synthetic chemicals in vineyards (pesticides, herbicides, and fungicides). They do this to draw attention to these special bird species and the threats facing the natural world. By working entirely organically from the very beginning, Castellare serves as a true pioneer and role model in the region and the entire wine world.

Reviewers about the I Sodi di San Niccolò – 2019

Robert Parker – 95  “This is a long-celebrated blend of 85% Sangioveto (another name for Sangiovese) and 15% Malvasia Nera from one of the headline estates of Castellina in Chianti. The Castellare di Castellina 2019 I Sodi di S. Niccolò (with 55,000 bottles released) opens to soft texture and medium weight with dark aromas of blackcurrant and cherry. Those aromas show an earthy or savory side that comes through to the palate. The wine closes with sweet tannins, and this vintage boasts a solid build overall.”

Wine Spectator – 95 “An intense, vibrant red marked by haunting scents of violet, black cherry, blackberry, wild rosemary, eucalyptus and iron. Supple and open, yet with solid structure underneath. This wine’s precision balance renders it approachable now, yet this will be better in two to three years. Spicy aftertaste. Sangioveto and Malvasia Nera. Best from 2026 through 2047.”

Vinous –  95  “The 2019 I Sodi di San Niccolò is another fabulous wine from Castellare. At this stage, the 2019 is an infant. The purity of the fruit is compelling. Despite its considerable intensity, the 2019 appears to have less forbidding tannins than in many years, which should allow it to drink well with minimal cellaring. Blood orange, sweet spice, leather and cedar linger on the stylish finish.”

Decanter – 96 “Super fragranced nose, patchouli, pot pourri, Turkish Delight, rose with caramelised red berries and a touch of smoke and incense – all quiet forward and expressive. The nose alone you could smell for hours such is its complexity and beguiling nature. Powerful and concentrated on the palate, this is broad and muscular, sinewy with depth and determination. Tannins are well integrated, really giving the support to the fruit and acidity, driving the flavours forward despite the clear weight and hold. Fragranced red berries continue on the palate with a touch of stone, graphite and matchstick. Rich and big on the mid palate, becoming more focussed towards the finish. Cleary well made with lots going on. Acidity is great, it’s cool, clean, sleek and packed full of flavour. Almost too much, this is a big wine, so needs time, but has lots of appeal and mouthwatering freshness throughout. Director and winemaker Alessandro Cellai.”