IL CASTELLACCIO Coste alla Villa Chianti Classico Gran Selezione 2023

Chianti Classico Gran Selezione “Costa alla Villa” represents the pinnacle of quality from Azienda Agricola Il Castellaccio, a boutique winery masterfully guided by young winemaker Davide Bottai. Located in the hamlet of Lucolena within the municipality of Greve in Chianti, the estate sets itself apart through its high-altitude, steep-slope viticulture, where severe inclines demand meticulous manual management and a profound respect for the ecosystem. In 2014, Davide transitioned the entire estate to certified organic farming, championing what he describes as an “enology of subtraction” in the cellar—minimizing interventions to preserve the absolute authenticity of high-altitude Sangiovese.

The “Costa alla Villa” cru originates from a historic single vineyard nestled in the unique pedoclimatic landscape of Lamole. Sitting between 580 and 600 meters above sea level, the vineyard features a full South-West exposure, ensuring excellent solar radiation throughout the day. The old vines, originally planted by Davide’s grandfather in 1970, preserve historic Sangiovese clones that drive their roots deep into a soil dominated by macigno toscano (Tuscan sandstone) and quartz veins. This combination of vine age and Alpine-influenced diurnal temperature shifts yields a natural sugar concentration perfectly balanced by a striking, vibrant acidity and a dense, savory mineral core.

The winemaking process follows a rigorous protocol centered around purity: fermentation is triggered spontaneously, relying exclusively on indigenous yeasts, followed by extended macerations in concrete vats for approximately 30 days. For the aging of this Gran Selezione, Davide Bottai purposefully chooses neutral, used tonneaux (tonneaux esausti). This technical choice deliberately limits the extraction of sweet or toasted tertiary oak aromas, safeguarding the integrity of the fruit, its distinctive citrus undertones, and the classic balsamic, minty signature profile of the Lamole terroir. The result is a wine of extreme elegance, verticality, and magnificent aging potential.