Casalino

1999 — Acquisition by Andrea Bonacchi

Fattoria Casalino entered the Bonacchi family’s holdings in 1999, when fourth-generation proprietor Andrea Bonacchi acquired the estate in the heart of Chianti Classico. The purchase formed part of the expansion he had begun after taking responsibility for the family business.

Casalino subsequently developed as the Bonacchi family’s estate at Castelnuovo Berardenga, with its vineyards centred on Chianti Classico and a smaller area devoted to Toscana IGT.

Fattoria Casalino lies in the municipality of Castelnuovo Berardenga, approximately 10 km from Siena, at about 350 m above sea level. The estate stands near Querciagrossa on state road 222, the historic Chiantigiana, at kilometre 53/III. Castelnuovo Berardenga forms the southern gateway to Chianti Classico.

The vineyards occupy hills around a small farmhouse. Their slopes face east, south and west, creating several orientations to sunlight. Light, diurnal temperature variation and winds crossing the Tuscan countryside influence the progression of grape ripening.

The soils consist of galestro and alberese. They are difficult to cultivate, and Casalino associates them with balance, depth and elegance in the resulting wines, as well as the capacity to convey the character of each vintage.

Casalino presents its work in the vineyards as a continuation of practices handed down over time, guided by respect for nature and by the seasonal rhythm of the land. Cultivation takes place on difficult-to-work galestro and alberese soils. The estate emphasizes patience through the growing cycle and attention to the effects of light, diurnal temperature variation and wind on ripening.

Casalino’s philosophy centres on the connection between vineyard, vintage and place. The estate presents its wines as expressions of their landscape and seeks to preserve the individual character of each harvest.

Its self-description emphasizes inherited practices, respect for nature and the patience required to transform a harvest into wine. The vineyard composition also reflects a balance between regional tradition and contemporary interpretation: most of the land is devoted to Chianti Classico, while a smaller area of Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon supports Toscana IGT production.