Il Castagno

Vineyard and terroir

Il Castagno is produced entirely from estate-grown Syrah in Cortona. All vineyard parcels are maintained at very low yields, no more than 50 q/ha from 5,000 vines, and are selected throughout the growing season, especially before and during harvest. The parcels are vinified separately with methods tailored to their fruit.

Grapes

100% Syrah. Harvest normally takes place during the final ten days of September in pursuit of full phenolic maturity. Grapes are picked exclusively by hand into perforated 15 kg crates.

Vinification

The fruit is destemmed while the berries remain intact. Fermentation begins spontaneously with indigenous yeasts in stainless-steel tanks, with temperature control available only when required. A small, variable percentage may be vinified as whole clusters according to vintage and parcel quality. Skin contact lasts approximately three to four weeks. Spontaneous malolactic fermentation proceeds without bacterial inoculation and involves only the free-run wine; press wine is not used.

Ageing

The wine matures on fine lees for at least 18 months. Vessels include French oak from Allier, Nevers and Tronçais, Slavonian oak, barriques, custom-made 15 hl casks and restored old concrete vats.

Technical data

Compact, clear ruby red with violet nuances. Alcohol: 14%. Annual production: approximately 15,000 bottles. Format: 750 ml.

Tasting profile

A powerful yet harmonious and balanced expression of Cortona Syrah, combining substantial structure with elegance and finesse. The aroma brings together ripe red and black fruit, currants, blackberries, undergrowth, chocolate, coffee and white pepper, followed by blond tobacco, spice and tar. Further nuances include strawberry, cherry, balsamic and mineral tones, grilled meat and clove. The palate is fruity, spicy and savoury, with velvety tannins and well-judged acidity. Its layered finish is exceptionally long and persistent.

Serving and pairing

Serve at 16 °C.

Label / history

Il Castagno is conceived as the estate's principal wine and emblematic, classical interpretation of Syrah in Cortona. It was once the only wine produced by the estate and remains the reference point for the rest of its red-wine range.