This celebrated Tuscan red is a blend of mostly Sangioveto (also known as Sangiovese) with a smaller part of Malvasia Nera. The Castellare di Castellina 2018 I Sodi di S. Niccolò shows the elegance and grace of these native grapes with aromas of red and purple fruit, cherry, wild rose and gardening soil. However, there is also a strong oak element that adds spice and toast to the bouquet and textural weight to the wine's generous build.

The Castellare di Castellina 2016 I Sodi di S. Niccolò is 85% Sangioveto (otherwise known as Sangiovese) and 15% Malvasia Nera. I tasted number 9,949 out of 29,230 bottles filled in January 2020. This is a true beauty and a wine that makes a lasting impact. I came back to my opened bottle some 24 hours later, and the wine tasted even better. It shows enormous purity and focus, with specific aromas that remind you of its Tuscan origins. Those aromas are very Mediterranean in character with rosemary and crushed lavender, followed by wild cherry, dried raspberry and cassis. The tannins are elegant and finely integrated, and the wine leaves nothing but long, polished sensations behind. This is one of the best vintages of I Sodi di S. Niccolò I have encountered in 20 years.

The 2015 I Sodi di S. Niccolò is another beautiful new release from Castellare di Castellina. This is a seamlessly executed expression of Sangioveto (an antique name for Sangiovese) with a smaller part Malvasia Nera from a sunny vintage that produced generous and exuberant fruit across the board. White pepper, spice, wild rose and toasted anise seed appear on the close. The finish is soft and yielding with sweet tannins. Present this gorgeous red alongside a roasted pheasant. Some 29,000 bottles were produced.