Castagnoli
Castagnoli is a small estate in Castellina in Chianti on the western edge of the Chianti Classico DOCG. This estate possesses a striking terroir, one of Chianti’s most beautiful. Steep terraces are carved out of a western facing amphitheatre below the winery. The soil is highly decomposed and flaky galestro schist. The Sangiovese vines are pruned and trellised like Syrah of the northern Rhône, with one wooden stake per vine. There are several small micro-terroirs that are vinified separately and ultimately blended into the estate’s three wines: Chianti Classico, Chianti Classico Riserva, or IGT Toscano Rosso “Solatio.” Solatio is a single parcel of higher-altitude terraces with southern exposition. The name “Solatio” refers to the sun-baked nature of the section of the vineyard.
Owner Alfred Schefenacker is the driving force behind this tiny estate with amazing potential. He is intent on restoring and developing it into one of the finest estates in Chianti. The Castagnoli terreno is one of cool climate, high altitude Sangiovese (vines are planted higher than 1000 feet above sea level) but one with a lot of lower-end depth and concentration. High-toned aromatics including blood orange are on display, a medium-full bodied frame with smoked meat, black olive and rosemary to complement the red fruits, solid acidity and tannin. It is a unique style in Chianti born of a unique terroir, and it possesses a cool elegance that makes it immediately drinkable and very pleasurable though it will age well.
Castagnoli is a small estate in Castellina in Chianti on the western edge of the Chianti Classico DOCG. This estate possesses a striking terroir, one of Chianti’s most beautiful. Steep terraces are carved out of a western facing amphitheatre below the winery. The soil is highly decomposed and flaky galestro schist. The Sangiovese vines are pruned and trellised like Syrah of the northern Rhône, with one wooden stake per vine. There are several small micro-terroirs that are vinified separately and ultimately blended into the estate’s three wines: Chianti Classico, Chianti Classico Riserva, or IGT Toscano Rosso “Solatio.” Solatio is a single parcel of higher-altitude terraces with southern exposition. The name “Solatio” refers to the sun-baked nature of the section of the vineyard. Owner Alfred Schefenacker is the driving force behind this tiny estate with amazing potential. He is intent on restoring and developing it into one of the finest estates in Chianti. The Castagnoli terreno is one of cool climate, high altitude Sangiovese (vines are planted higher than 1000 feet above sea level) but one with a lot of lower-end depth and concentration. High-toned aromatics including blood orange are on display, a medium-full bodied frame with smoked meat, black olive and rosemary to complement the red fruits, solid acidity and tannin. It is a unique style in Chianti born of a unique terroir, and it possesses a cool elegance that makes it immediately drinkable and very pleasurable though it will age well.
Technical Information
| Wine | Blend | Vine Age | Soil Type | Vineyard Area* |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chianti Classico |
Sangiovese | 5-8 years | Galestro Schist | 6.57 ha total |
| Chianti Classico Riserva “Terrazze” |
Sangiovese | 10 years average | Galestro Schist | 6.57 ha total |
| IGT Toscano Rosso “Solatio” |
Sangiovese | 9 years | Galestro Schist | 6.57 ha total |
| * "ha" = hectares; one hectare equals roughly two and a half acres | ||||
VITICULTURE / VINIFICATION
• The name Castagnoli derives from the work “castagno,” or “chestnut tree.” Up until the late 1970s a large forest of chestnut trees existed on the property and was used to provide all the lumber for the estate and subsidiary farms.
• Vineyards planted at altitude of 1300 to 1500 feet
• Rigorous sorting of fruit before fermentation
IGT Toscano Rosso “Solatio”:
• Grapes are destemmed and fermented in large wooden tanks
• Frequent punchdowns
• Wine ages for 18 months in neutral oak barrels (18hl and 4/5hl)
Chianti Classico:
• Grapes are destemmed and fermented in large wooden tanks
• Frequent punchdowns
• Wine ages for 18 months in neutral oak barrels (18hl and 4/5hl)
Chianti Classico Riserva “La Terrazze”:
• Grapes are destemmed and fermented in large wooden tanks
• Wine ages for 16 months in 4/5hl neutral oak barrels and 5 months in 18hl
• Vineyards planted at altitude of 1300 to 1500 feet
• Rigorous sorting of fruit before fermentation
IGT Toscano Rosso “Solatio”:
• Grapes are destemmed and fermented in large wooden tanks
• Frequent punchdowns
• Wine ages for 18 months in neutral oak barrels (18hl and 4/5hl)
Chianti Classico:
• Grapes are destemmed and fermented in large wooden tanks
• Frequent punchdowns
• Wine ages for 18 months in neutral oak barrels (18hl and 4/5hl)
Chianti Classico Riserva “La Terrazze”:
• Grapes are destemmed and fermented in large wooden tanks
• Wine ages for 16 months in 4/5hl neutral oak barrels and 5 months in 18hl
General Information
- Country
- Italy
- Region
- Tuscany
- Appellation(s)
- Chianti Classico Riserva
- Producer
- Alfred Schefenacker
- Founded
- 1978
- Annual Production
- 830 cases
- Farming
- Organic
