2018 Chianti Classico, Casaloste, Panzano, Tuscany

Casaloste was created by Neapolitans Giovanni Batista d’Orsi, a qualified oenologist and agronomist and his wife Emilia in the early 90s, with the purchase of just under 20 hectares of land in Panzano, arguably Chianti’s finest terroir. With the property and vineyard in a poor state, there followed years of slow renovation to bring it to its current beautiful condition. There are 10 hectares planted, mostly to Sangiovese with small plots of Merlot and Canaiolo, with the remainder of the land given over to olive trees. From the beginning they have farmed organically and the wines carry ICEA certification. Winemaking involves minimum intervention and only French oak is used for maturation, although little of it is new for the Chiantis, with the exception of the single vineyard Sangiovese, Don Vincenzo, which is only made in the greatest years. Two IGTs are also made, Rosso Maniero, which is a declassified Chianti from younger vines and Inversus, a powerful yet elegant Merlot aged in new barrique. The quality here improves with every vintage and this could now legitimately claim to be one of the leading estates of Panzano.

Hand harvested into small containers. In a version of ripasso, the destemmed sangiovese was placed on top of the unpressed skins from the just completed merlot fermentation. Fermentation was in stainless steel vats with selected yeasts at 26-28C. After fermentation, the wine was run off to 2nd, 3rd and 4th fill French oak barrels and tonneaux for mlf and 12 months maturation prior to bottling.

Rich ruby colour with a nose of black cherry and spice. Quite intense, medium bodied palate, with ripe red and black fruits balanced by fine acidity and full, ripe tannins. Very long and elegant.

Grilled red meat especially rib steak. Fine with spicy sausages. Good with Thai food. Medium aged cheeses.