# Coniale (2018)

- **Producer:** Castellare di Castellina
- **Colour:** red
- **Type:** still
- **Grapes:** 100% Cabernet Sauvignon
- **Region:** Toscana, Italy
- **Style:** Classic
- **Alcohol:** 14.0%
- **Average price:** €63
- **When to drink:** Now or Later
- **Serving temperature:** 16–18 °C

## About this wine

Coniale by Castellare di Castellina is a distinctive 2018 IGT Toscana, crafted entirely from Cabernet Sauvignon. This wine represents the estate's ambition to create an internationally recognized wine that balances power with Tuscan elegance. Located in Castellina in Chianti, the vineyards are situated at high altitudes (350-400m) on complex soils, contributing to the wine's character. The 2018 vintage was marked by ideal ripening conditions, with warm days and cool nights in September leading to excellent grape development. Castellare di Castellina, founded in the 1970s, is known for its blend of traditional winemaking and innovation, alongside a strong commitment to sustainability and biodiversity, as highlighted by the bird imagery on their labels.

## Interesting facts

- A Super Tuscan made from 100% Cabernet Sauvignon in a region famous for Sangiovese.
- Each Castellare label features a different bird, symbolizing their commitment to biodiversity.
- Vineyards are situated at altitudes of 350-400 meters, contributing to wine freshness.
- The winery avoids synthetic chemicals, herbicides, and pesticides in its farming.

## Food pairing

The wine's firm, ripe tannins and medium-full body are well-suited to complement the protein and fat in rich red meats and game. Its high acidity cuts through richness, cleansing the palate, while the pronounced intensity can stand up to robust flavors. Notes of oak can harmonize with grilled or roasted elements.

## Wine making process

The winemaking for Coniale begins with 100% Cabernet Sauvignon grapes, fermented in stainless steel tanks to maintain freshness and fruit purity. A portion undergoes malolactic fermentation to soften the wine and add complexity. The wine is then aged for 18 months in French oak barriques, with 50% being new, followed by 10 months of bottle aging. This meticulous process aims to create a wine that is both powerful and elegant, reflecting the unique terroir of Castellina in Chianti.