Castellare Chianti Classico 2024
13% ABV | 90% Sangiovese, 10% Canaiolo | Drink now–2033
94pts Wine Spectator-Top 100-#17| 92 Points Falstaff | 91 Points James Suckling
A songbird flies over the Tuscan vineyards on a warm summer day. When it lands among the vines, its song carries through the winery. This is the Codirosso, or Common Redstart, the newest totem of Castellare di Castellina, where it lives among the Sangiovese and olive trees. For 2024, the little songbird proudly graces the label of their Chianti Classico.
We like to think of wine as the child of nature, history and culture and few places embody those ideas as completely as Tuscany. Castellare is one of the historic estates of Chianti Classico, producing a thoroughly Tuscan wine from 90% Sangioveto (sangiovese) and 10% Canaiolo, with longtime winemaker and managing director Alessandro Cellai at the helm.
The 2024 vintage is all about freshness and balance. A rainy winter and spring followed by a warm, moderate summer allowed the Sangiovese to ripen gradually while retaining its natural acidity and aromatic character. The result is bright and red-fruited, with cherry, wild berries, a touch of pepper and spice, and supple tannins. Wine Spectator awarded it 94pts and placed it at #17 on their top 100, Falstaff awarded it 92 points, while James Suckling gave it 91 points, both recognizing its freshness, vibrant fruit and polished structure.
This is the kind of Chianti we love for the table, rustic in the best sense, but beautifully made and incredibly versatile. Think bruschette, eggplant ravioli, roasted peppers with ricotta salata, or roast chicken with olives. Wine for everyday life, much like the little song that carries through the vineyard.
And we have a local endorsement we particularly like: Kate Toth of Boston Wine Company visited Castellare in 2024 and came away a believer. She famously proclaimed while visiting the winery "if you don't like this wine, you're just wrong".
The bird on the 2024 label also gave us an excuse to think of another songbird...
"It's called 'Songbird'
And God bless you all
Have a wonderful summer."
— Christine McVie (Fleetwood Mac)
Order this highly rated vintage until Sunday September 20th! Shop the rest of this week's daily flash sales below.