Castell'in Villa

Castell’in Villa is a historic wine estate set high in the rolling hills of Tuscany’s Chianti Classico region, centred on a fortified medieval village whose origins date back to at least the 12th century. The estate retains much of its ancient charm, with beautiful views across the picturesque landscape, as well as the San Cristoforo church and remnants of its defensive architecture.

The modern story of the estate began in 1968 when Princess Coralia Pignatelli della Leonessa, a Greek-born aristocrat, and her husband Riccardo Pignatelli della Leonessa purchased the property, then little more than a 13th century farmhouse, and one hectare of vines.

The estate became one of the first in Chianti to focus on 100% Sangiovese wines, abandoning other traditional but lesser varieties. Today the estate spans an impressive 300 hectares, with about 54 hectares planted to vines across diverse, south-facing sites. Nowadays the vineyard is highly celebrated, and provides cuttings for many of the most famous vineyard sites in Tuscany.

A close friendship with Corinne Mentzelopoulos, another key female, Greek-born figure of the fine wine world (Corinne is proprietor of Château Margaux), influenced many of the most distinctive trademarks of Castell’in Villa, including French oak élévage, and a commitment to ageing wines at the estate for later release. Castell’in Villa releases are often two vintages behind other neighbouring estates.

The Chianti Classico is elegant, age-worthy and full of energy. Classic flavours of fresh red fruit, haunting florals and an earthy core all set Castell’in Villa’s Chianti Classico apart from the rest of the pack. The Riserva is incredibly refined, spicy, structured and improves for decades in bottle. The Santacroce is a Sangiovese and Cabernet Sauvignon blend, aged in French oak, and first produced in 1983. Elegant, linear and driven, with Italian savoury bite.