Castellare di Castellina
Merlot Poggio ai Merli 2021
| Denomination | IGT Toscana |
|---|---|
| Size | 0,75 l |
| Alcohol content | 14.5% by volume |
| Area | Tuscany (Italy) |
| Grape varieties | 100% Merlot |
| Aging | Aged 15–30 months in barriques, one third of which are new |
- Type and vintage: Still red wine Toscana IGT 2021, made from 100% Merlot grapes
- Intense aromas: Notes of plum, black cherry, blackberry, blackcurrant, violet, liquorice and tobacco
- Vinification and ageing: Fermentation in steel at 28°C, maturation for 15–30 months in barrique
- Full flavour: Velvety tannins, soft and intense structure, very persistent finish
- Serving and pairings: Decant for 1 hour at 16–18°C; ideal with red meats, wild boar and cheeses
Description
What kind of wine it is
Poggio ai Merli by Castellare di Castellina is a still red wine that embodies the excellence of Tuscany through the purity of the Merlot grape variety. With a ruby colour and deep violet hues, it reveals a complex aromatic profile where notes of plum, black cherry and blackcurrant intertwine with hints of dried violet, rhubarb, liquorice, tobacco, vanilla, cinchona and pepper. On the palate, it offers a pleasant, enveloping softness that perfectly balances an entry of velvety tannins, supported by an intense body that culminates in a very persistent and harmonious finish.
Where it comes from
This wine originates from Castellare, in Castellina in Chianti, at the heart of the province of Siena. The vineyards thrive at altitudes between 350 and 400 metres, favoured by an ideal hillside climate that ensures consistent and regular ripening. The limestone soil imparts a precise mineral character, providing the tension needed to enhance the richness of the fruit. Castellare di Castellina cultivates these vines by highlighting the unique features of the Sienese territory, ensuring the wine expresses rare elegance and a defined and refined structure.
How it is produced
The grapes, harvested at the beginning of September, undergo fermentation in stainless steel for 18–25 days at a controlled temperature. The subsequent malolactic fermentation gives further roundness to the palate. Ageing continues for 15 to 30 months in wooden barrels, partly new, which help to refine the tannic texture. Excellent when served at a temperature of 16–18 °C after an hour of decanting, this red pairs beautifully with red meats, pork-based dishes, mature cheeses and the intense flavours of game, particularly wild boar.
History and Curiosities
Founded in 1977, Castellare di Castellina created Poggio ai Merli, an outstanding pure Merlot that celebrates the elegance of the Tuscan region. Born from limestone soils in a privileged position, this Toscana IGT expresses a rare personality, shaped by the vision of oenologist Alessandro Cellai. Considered a true monument to excellence since its very first vintage, this wine rivals the most illustrious world-class wines. The 2021 vintage reaffirms its greatness, earning extraordinary international scores of absolute prestige.
Awards
-
2021
4Italian Sommelier Foundation (FIS) guide This has been one of the most prestigious wine guides in Italy for over 10 years.
-
2021
2This guide is highly respected and offers the most comprehensive review of Italian wines. It has a long tradition and is based on blind tastings carried out by over 100 experts.
-
2021
93/100
James Suckling is an influential American wine critic and journalist who worked at Wine Spectator for 30 years. He left the magazine in 2010 to start his own website and guidebook (JamesSuckling.com). He specialises in Italian and Bordeaux wines.
-
2021
94/100
The prestigious international wine guide from the renowned Robert Parker, the world's most experienced and trusted wine taster.
-
2021
3One of the most prestigious wine guides in Italy.
-
2021
94/100
Vinous is the online guide from Antonio Galloni, one of the world's leading wine connoisseurs.
-
2021
1Italian Sommelier Association (AIS) guide
-
2021
93/100
Wine spectator is the most influential wine guide on the internet.
Tasting notes
Perfume
Color
Taste
Serve at:
16 - 18 °C
Longevity:
10 - 15 years
Decanting time:
1 hour
- Start up year: 1977
- Oenologist: Alessandro Cellai
- Bottles produced: 350.000
- Hectares: 33
The red wine I Sodi di S.Niccolò Toscana IGT, vintage 2021, from the Castellare di Castellina winery was rated 99 Falstaff points in 2025 by Othmar Kiem and Simon Staffler. It is a wine made from Sangiovese and Malvasia Nera grapes from the Chianti Classico region of Italy. Read more
| Name | Castellare di Castellina Merlot Poggio ai Merli 2021 |
|---|---|
| Type | Red still |
| Denomination | Toscana IGT |
| Vintage | 2021 |
| Size | 0,75 l |
| Alcohol content | 14.5% by volume |
| Grape varieties | 100% Merlot |
| Country | Italy |
| Region | Tuscany |
| Vendor | Castellare di Castellina |
| Story | History and Curiosities Founded in 1977, Castellare di Castellina created Poggio ai Merli, an outstanding pure Merlot that celebrates the elegance of the Tuscan region. Born from limestone soils in a privileged position, this Toscana IGT expresses a rare personality, shaped by the vision of oenologist Alessandro Cellai. Considered a true monument to excellence since its very first vintage, this wine rivals the most illustrious world-class wines. The 2021 vintage reaffirms its greatness, earning extraordinary international scores of absolute prestige. |
| Origin | Località Castellare, Castellina in Chianti (Siena) |
| Soil composition | Calcareous soil |
| Cultivation system | Spur cordon |
| Plants per hectare | 6,000 |
| Yield per hectare | 3,500 kg/hectare |
| Harvest | Usually the first days of September |
| Fermentation temperature | 28 °C |
| Fermentation | Approximately 18–25 days |
| Production technique | Temperature-controlled fermentation in stainless steel; malolactic fermentation; ageing for 15–30 months in barriques (one third new) |
| Wine making | Vinification in stainless steel for 18–25 days at a controlled temperature (28 °C); malolactic fermentation carried out. |
| Aging | Aged 15–30 months in barriques, one third of which are new |
| Year production | 350000 bottles |
| Allergens | Contains sulphites |