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There aren't many estates more dedicated to Chianti than Castello di Cacchiano. Proprietor Giovanni Ricasoli-Firidolfi is dedicated to creating a top-flight expression of Sangiovese and this muscular, well-made wine is a testament to his devotion to the varietal.
- Country: Italy
- Region: Sicilia
- Subregion/Appellation:
High standards of production for Castello di Cacchiano's Chianti (what is now called Chianti Classico) were established by the Barone Bettino Ricasoli 150 years ago, and their first bottlings came in 1974 under the widowed Baronessa Elisabetta Balbi Valier. The widow retired in the mid-90s and passed this part of her business to her son Giovanni (his younger brother, Marco, now runs Rocca di Montegrossi). With 31 hectares of vineyards sitting at 400 meters in the Monti commune, the current baron has turned his attention to Chianti Classico, doing away with the Super Tuscan "RF" formerly produced at Cacchiano. He makes only one bottling each vintage, and exceptional vintages are called ""Millennio," virtually a riserva but not officially labeled as such. Giovanni finds Merlot to be an excellent complement to the traditional Tuscan grapes and aims for 85% Sangiovese with 15% Merlot, a blend that he adjusts based on vintage conditions. He also keeps up production of Rosso Toscano, an everyday wine that is produced every year, and the traditional Vin Santo.
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