Castellare

I Sodi di S. Niccolò

This legendary wine was one of the first Super Tuscans crafted entirely with indigenous varietals. I Sodi di San Niccoló was created in the early 1970s with the goal of demonstrating that the native grapes of the region could produce a wine of the highest quality without the aid of international varietals. Today this goal has been achieved, with I Sodi consistently ranking in the top 100 wines among the most important international wine magazines. Made from 85% Sangioveto and 15% Malvasia Nera. After a maceration period of 18-25 days, the wine is transferred to new barriques and aged for 24 months. "I Sodi" refers to land that is difficult to till and must be harvested by hand, while "San Niccoló" is an abandoned church on the Castellare property.

Tasting Notes

Full-bodied, with firm yet juicy tannins, I Sodi di San Niccoló is an austere, rich and elegant Super Tuscan, that offers supple aromas of wild berries, blackberry, currants and cedar, elegantly framed by delicate hints of vanilla and leather.

Food Pairing

Pair with tomato sauce and meaty tomato sauces, fine cuts of steak, or roasted rack of lamb.

This legendary wine was one of the first Super Tuscans crafted entirely with indigenous varietals. I Sodi di San Niccoló was created in the early 1970s with the goal of demonstrating that the native grapes of the region could produce a wine of the highest quality without the aid of international varietals. Today this goal has been achieved, with I Sodi consistently ranking in the top 100 wines among the most important international wine magazines. Made from 85% Sangioveto and 15% Malvasia Nera. After a maceration period of 18-25 days, the wine is transferred to new barriques and aged for 24 months. "I Sodi" refers to land that is difficult to till and must be harvested by hand, while "San Niccoló" is an abandoned church on the Castellare property.

Tasting Notes

Full-bodied, with firm yet juicy tannins, I Sodi di San Niccoló is an austere, rich and elegant Super Tuscan, that offers supple aromas of wild berries, blackberry, currants and cedar, elegantly framed by delicate hints of vanilla and leather.

Food Pairing

Pair with tomato sauce and meaty tomato sauces, fine cuts of steak, or roasted rack of lamb.

Vineyard & Production Info

Production area/appellation:
Toscana IGT
Vineyard name:
Chianti Classico/The I Sodi di San Niccolò vineyard
Vineyard size:
12.4 acres
Soil composition:
Diatomaceous
Training method:
Upside down Guyot
Elevation:
1,100-1,500 feet
Vines/acre:
1,100-2,800
Exposure:
Southwestern
Harvest time:
October
First vintage of this wine:
1980
Bottles produced of this wine:
30,000

Winemaking & Aging

Maceration length:
18-25
Varietal composition:
85% Sangioveto and 15% Malvasia Nera
Fermentation container:
Stainless Steel Tanks
Fermentation temperature:
83 °F
Type of aging container:
Barriques
Length of aging before bottling:
24 months
Age of Aging Container:
New
Length of bottle aging:
12 months

Analytical Data

pH level:
3.3
Acidity:
5.8 g/L
Alcohol:
13.5 %
Dry extract:
32 g/L