Castello di Cacchiano
Tuscany in Italy

Above: Winery Images courtesy of wine lover Jeremie Valdez.

Above: Mr. Michael Quick, export manager, posing for us us at FHA 2008 in Singapore. Above: the wines of Castello di Cacchiano, lined up in front of our lens.

This ancient 12th century estate is located in the south of Chianti Classico, in the commune of Gaiole in Chianti, near the village of Monti. From its position of 500 meters above sea level it overlooks a vast panorama.In 1974, the Barons Ricasoli-Firidolfi, one of the oldest families in Tuscany, together with his wife Elisabetta Balbi Valier, at the urging of her husband, Alberto Ricasoli-Firidolfi, began bottling the wines of the property under the Castello di Cacchiano label. Today, Giovanni (his younger brother, Marco, now runs Rocca di Montegrossi) took over the management of this estate.

There are some 33 hectares of vineyards planted mainly with Malvasia, Sangiovese, Canaiolo, and Merlot in the Monti commune, the current baron has turned his attention to Chianti Classico, doing away with the Super Tuscan styles formerly produced at Cacchiano. As we know, he makes only one bottling each vintage, and exceptional vintages are called ‘Millennio,’ a virtually riserva but not officially labeled as such. In this estate, the winemaker, Giovanni is a strong advocate for Merlot which he believes is an excellent complement to the traditional Tuscan grapes. Most blends occur around 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. Annual production some 7,500 cases.

Castello di Cacchiano product offering and bottling is summarized into the following:

Castello di Cacchiano Chianti Classico (Red): Typical 95% Sangiovese, 5% Canaiolo. 10 days fermentation with 23 months in French wood before bottling and release. 4,000 cases.

Castello di Cacchiano Chianti Classico Riserva Millennio (Red): A usual blend of 95% Sangiovese, 5% Canaiolo. 15 days fermentation with 33 days in French wood before bottling and release. 1,000 cases.

Castello di Cacchiano Rosso di Cacchiano Rosso Toscana IGT (Red): A blend of typical 80% Sangiovese, with the rest Merlot, Canaiolo, Malvasia del Chianti from a 31 hectares vineyard sited on clay and limestone. 10 days fermentation with 27 months in a mix of oak and cement vats before bottling and release. 1,200 cases.

Castello di Cacchiano Vin Santo del Chianti Classico (White/Dessert): A sweetie comprising of mostly 85% Malvasia del Chianti Bianca, and 15% Canaiolo. After 2 months of natural drying on wooden grates, the wine sees oak caratelli for 6.5 years before bottling and release. Only 188 cases made.

The wines of Chianti Classico traditionally exports a majority of their wines to the US, and Europe. Its premium and normale Chiantis, premium to fine Super-tuscans are more readily available and may be found in Asian wine retail and shelves. They are often priced reasonably for some, at a premium for the best producers, and yet remain within reach to the average wine consumer and social drinker.

As Michael Quick (as pictured above) was telling us, the winery is looking for an Asian importer.

Contact Details:
Castello di Cacchiano
Localita Monti in Chianti
I-53013 Gaiole in Chianti (SI)
Italy
Tel: +39 05 7774 7018
Fax: +39 05 7774 7157
Email: info@castellodicacchiano.it/
Website: Click here.

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2001 Castello di Cacchiano Chianti Classico
Italy, Tuscany

From an earlier tasting. T20032008. 13.5%. A blend of Sangiovese, and Canaiolo. Gorgeous cherry fruit bouquet with underlying spice. Medium-bodied, fairly rich sour cherry fruit, oak thats nicely integrated, medium acidity and clean tannins, and a medium enjoyable finish. Drink between 2007 and 2015.

2004 Castello di Cacchiano Rosso Toscana IGT
Italy, Tuscany

F25042008. 13.0%. A blend of 80% Sangiovese, and 20% Merlot. Sweet raspberry delights. Medium-bodied, medium acidity with soaking tannins, and a short finish. Drink from 2008 to 2010.

2005 Castello di Cacchiano Chianti Classico
Italy, Tuscany

F25042008. 13.0%. 95% Sangiovese, and 5% Canaiolo. Perfumed red fruit. Medium-bodied, simple raspberry aromas, flavors and integrated oak. Short finish. Drink from 2008 to 2010.

2003 Castello di Cacchiano Chianti Classico Riserva
Italy, Tuscany

F25042008. 14.0%. 95% Sangiovese, 5% Canaiolo. Serious red plums with vanilla and oak on the nose. Medium to full-bodied, this is a serious wine with red fruit, medium acidity, and structured and firm tannins. Short to medium finish. Drink from 2008 to 2014.

2000 Castello di Cacchiano Vin Santo del Chianti Classico
Italy, Tuscany

F25042008. 15.0%. 85% Malvasia del Chianti Bianca, and 15% Canaiolo. This is a lovely wine with good aromas of mango like flavors and dry fruit. Full-bodied, it is enjoyable and stylish, with good acidity, smoothness. An attractive discovery made from the realm of Vin Santo, or wine of the saints. Nice long finishing. Drink from 2008+.

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Photographs and text by Daniel. Hit us with your best shots; we’ll try our best to listen. Send your inquiries or comments here or via email to jiuwine@gmail.com.