Casale – Certaldo, Chianti

An exceptional and uncompromising Winery. Organic since 1980 and now biodynamic, the Gigloli-Rinaldi family can trace their vinous presence in the zone back to 1770. This is quintessential Tuscany, traditional in all the best senses with no whiff of modernity, its natural practices rooted in time rather than fashion. It was Antonio’s parents who replanted the small estate in 1969 with the vines that still produce most of the wines. In addition there are two rows of remaining high-trained vines, along with a very few trained up companion trees, that date back to the 1900s. The Chiantis are almost 100% Sangiovese with the addition of a dash each of Canaiolo & Colorino. Aging follows no set pattern at Casale, as Antonio chooses vessel (ranging from chestnut to concrete and always large format) and period dependent on his relationship with the wine. Wines are released when he deems them ready and often vintages can skip forward before looping back. The low intervention methods and patient, long aging times help to focus the wines’ textural tannins and fruit, always remaining exquisitely fresh.

The Chianti is aged in stainless steel & concrete for 5 years until ready for bottling and release. The estate’s riserva wines rest even longer with the Chianti Riserva having spent 5 years in cement and a further 5 in large chestnut barrels – 37hl and 20hl – prior to bottling. The Trebbiano Orange Wine was fermented on its skins for 30 days in stainless steel. The vineyard for this wine was one of those planted by Antonio’s parents and so is approaching 50 years old. Each year a part of the orange wine is placed in chestnut casks to continue aging.