Questo vino
Vineyard and terroir
The estate lies among the hills around Castellina in Chianti and covers 380 ha, of which 90 ha are vineyards. The Casale dello Sparviero vineyards sit at about 250 m above sea level, surrounded by woodland and shrubs in a ravine that helps maintain a balance between moisture and warmth. Over four years, the vines on more than two thirds of the vineyard area were replaced with new, densely planted vines, using a new vineyard management system and keeping yields low. The existing vines of native varieties, especially Sangiovese and Canaiolo, were preserved, and Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot were introduced.
Grapes
The blend is mainly Sangiovese with a small amount of Canaiolo.
Vinification
The grapes are harvested in mid-September, after a rigorous selection of the harvest. They undergo 8 days of skin maceration at controlled temperature, then pressing and further fermentation of the must in stainless steel tanks with regular pumping over. The wine also completes malolactic fermentation.
Ageing
Ageing begins after 1 January and lasts at least 6 months, followed by a further 3 months in bottle. The estate's ageing cellars are equipped with large oak casks and modern French barriques, and the text refers to slow ageing in oak casks.
Tasting profile
Heady and appealing, with more complexity and richness than a basic Chianti. The wines of Casale dello Sparviero have a very pleasant taste.
Label / history
The Andrighetti family, known in the woodworking industry and also owners of Fattoria Campoperi, bought the large "Il Casale" estate in 1996 and began restoring it. The winemaker Attilio Pagli and the agronomist Stefano Porcinai were brought in to support the estate's young new team. The seventeenth-century manor house now holds the offices and ageing cellars. Production is around 100 000 bottles a year and is growing as the new vineyards come into production.
