Castagnino

Vineyard and terroir

The wine is made exclusively from Syrah grown in the estate vineyards at Cortona. Yields are capped at 50 quintals per hectare from 5,000 vines. Each vineyard parcel is vinified separately, with timing and handling adapted to the quality of its fruit.

Grapes

100% Syrah. Depending on vintage and parcel quality, a variable proportion may be fermented as whole bunches.

Vinification

Harvest normally occurs in the first half of September, slightly ahead of Il Castagno and Cuculaia to emphasize freshness and acidity over power, sugar concentration and extract. Grapes are selected throughout the growing season and again before and during harvest, then picked exclusively by hand into perforated 15 kg crates.

The grapes are destemmed without crushing the berries and transferred to temperature-controlled stainless-steel tanks. Alcoholic fermentation starts spontaneously with indigenous yeasts. Maceration on the skins lasts approximately one to two weeks, adjusted to grape quality. Malolactic fermentation is also spontaneous and receives no bacterial inoculation. Only free-run wine is retained; wine obtained by pressing the pomace is not used.

Ageing

The wine spends approximately six months on fine lees in restored old concrete vats. It sees no wood. Maceration, vat maturation and subsequent bottle ageing are intentionally kept relatively short to preserve directness, varietal identity and freshness.

Technical data

Annual production is approximately 15,000 bottles. Available formats are 750 ml and 1,500 ml. Alcohol is 14%. The colour is clear ruby red.

Tasting profile

Fresh and floral, with plum, cherry, wild blackberry, red-fruit and juniper notes alongside gently herbaceous nuances. The palate is flavoursome, fragrant and balanced, combining good structure and concentration with lively acidity. The tannins are distinctly crisp, supporting an immediate, energetic style.

Serving and pairing

Serve at 15–16 °C.

Label / history

Conceived as the younger sibling of Il Castagno, “Castagnino” explores a deliberately different expression of Cortona Syrah. Earlier picking, relatively brief extraction and exclusive maturation in concrete distinguish it from Il Castagno and the Cuculaia cru, both of which pursue greater power and complexity.