Castellani (wine)
Encyclopedia
Founded in 1903, Castellani Spa is a family-run Italian wine company headquartered in Pontedera
,Italy near Pisa
. Castellani produces wine from five main Tuscan estates and is distributed in 42 countries.
Piergiorgio Castellani Jr. joined in the company after graduating from Pisa University and is now responsible for the Agricultural and Winemaking Department.
"During the past 25 years, we have been untiringly working in our Estates for vineyard selection, to ensure the best soil types, microclimates and light exposure to the sun of the grapes. Sophisticated enological techniques and intensive research on different clones, have allowed us to valorise the great Tuscan vines, like the Sangiovese, and to introduce new local clones that will contribute to the launch of innovative wines and to the promotion of the image of wine-producing Tuscany."
Pier Giorgio Castellani Sr., expert wine-connoisseur and initiator of the Castellani expansion phase, continues to provide the financial and production policy guidelines.
"In addition to viticulture practice, aging is a key part of the quality improvement of our top wines. We use a combination of both French and American oaks depending on the grape variety. Both the grape variety and oaks influence how long the wine will spend in barrels. Before bottling, the wine from each barrel is tasted for selection and to obtain the final blend. Minimal filtration and additional ageing in the bottle are the final steps to ensure maximum quality." Roberto Castellani directly contributed to the improvement and boost of the distribution of Castellani wines throughout the world, and is now Sales and Marketing Director.
In 1903 the business was officially registered at the Chamber of Commerce in Pisa. Alfredo’s sons, Duilio and Mario, began the firm’s expansion period. A meticulous and intent man, Duilio took an active part in every working stage. The most productive vineyard is in Santa Lucia, in the fertile Arno Valley, where a sprightly and “fit for aging” red wine is produced and bottled in typical straw-covered flasks, gaining the interest of transalpine markets.
One day in the agricultural village of Montecalvoli a railway wagon drawn by a potent lorry inspired Giorgio, Duilio’s son, to export on a large scale. The 1966 flood caused great damage to the Montecalvoli winery. The business was temporarily transferred to the Burchino Estate, on the hills of Terricciola. Giorgio’s brother, Roberto, a brilliant journalist at the newspaper “Il Giornale del Mattino” in Florence rushed to help shovel mud away from the family’s winery and decided to stay and contribute to the firm' evolution.
A well-read and cosmopolitan man, Roberto pioneered the undertaking of sales far-away markets, becoming one of the advocates of Chianti’s international success. The purchase of Poggio al Casone vineyard coincided with the extension of the winery at the Travalda Estate in Santa Lucia. On New Year’s Day in 1982, a fire burned down almost all the firm’s premises. It seemed to be the end. But within few months the Castellani brothers purchased the Campomaggio Estate and, because to the contribution of Piergiorgio, Roberto’s son, the business gathered strength.
Wine-growing and technological research are furthered by clever specialists such as young oenologist Sabino Russo and the agronomist Federico Comassi. Today this centenarian firm enthusiastically pursues the aim of producing wines, which are the expression of one of the greatest oenological regions of the world: Tuscany.
Abstract from an interview to Gianfranco Orsini, trusty collaborator of Duilio.
, a medieval village in the Pisan hills, this estate includes more than 42 hectares of vineyards. Antiche Tenute Burchino has been owned by the Castellani family since the middle of nineteenth century.
The beauty and tranquility of the hills and villages that surround the Estate make Burchino a sanctuary of peace and harmony.
PRODUCTION ZONE: Colline Pisane, Terricciola county.
SURFACE OF THE VINEYARD: 42 Ha.
ALTITUDE OF THE VINEYARD: 120 metres above the sea level.
TYPE OF SOIL: Sedimentary, rather sandy and clayey, rich in fossil-shells.
TRAINING SYSTEM: Spur cordon.
DENSITY OF VINES: 5700 per hectare.
PRODUCTION PER HECTARE: 6,5 tons.
AVERAGE AGE OF VINES: 15 years.
HARVEST TIME: End of September.
TYPE OF WINES PRODUCED: Chianti Superiore D.O.C.G., Toscana I.G.T.
VARIETALS: Autochthon, Sangiovese various clones, Ciliegiolo. International, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauv., Merlot.
Poggio al Casone is a natural oasis and a “hunting respect zone”. The entire Estate is trained with natural viticulture, that uses organic procedures in cultivation methods and vine training. The use of viticulture practices of various organic ecological and biodynamic systems integrated with a wide research and experimental program, aims to develop new methods to reduce the impact of chemicals and mechanical interference on soil and vines.
PRODUCTION ZONE: Colline Pisane, Crespina county.
SURFACE OF THE VINEYARD: 30 Ha.
ALTITUDE OF THE VINEYARD: 80 metres above the sea level, 25 km far from the sea.
TYPE OF SOIL: Sedimentary, rather tufaceus and clayey.
TRAINING SYSTEM: Spur cordon.
DENSITY OF VINES: 4000 per hectare on old vineyards, 5700 per hectare on new vineyards.
PRODUCTION PER HECTARE: 6 tons.
AVERAGE AGE OF VINES: 15 years.
HARVEST TIME: End of September.
VARIETALS: Autochthon, Sangiovese various clones, Canaiolo, Ciliegiolo.
Local, Giacomino, Canina, Grand Noir. International, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah.
TYPE OF WINES PRODUCED: Chianti Superiore D.O.C.G., Toscana I.G.T.
PRODUCTION ZONE: Chianti Classico, Radda county.
SURFACE OF THE VINEYARD: 70 Ha, 30 Ha of specialized vineyard.
ALTITUDE OF THE VINEYARD: 480 metres above the sea level.
TYPE OF SOIL: Crumbly, rich in stones, Galestro and Alberese.
TRAINING SYSTEM: Spur cordon.
DENSITY OF VINES: 4000 per hectare on old vineyards,, 5700 per hectare on a new vineyards.
PRODUCTION PER HECTARE: 6 tons.
AVERAGE AGE OF VINES: 15 years.
HARVEST TIME: Early October.
VARIETALS: Autochthon, Sangiovese, Malvasia near, Canaiolo.International, Syrah, Cabernet Sauv.
TYPE OF WINES PRODUCED: Chianti Classico D.O.C.G., Toscana I.G.T., Chianti Classico D.O.C.G. Riserva.
It is ancient family Estate where, besides the main cellar and barrique storeroom, a vineyard is reserved to the activities of viticulture research.
PRODUCTION ZONE: Colline Pisane.
SURFACE OF THE VINEYARD: 5 Ha.
TYPE OF SOIL: Deep muddy and clayey soil.
TRAINING SYSTEM: Spur cordon.
DENSITY OF VINES: 5700 per Hectare.
PRODUCTION PER HECTARE: 6,5 tons.
AVERAGE AGE OF VINES: 7 years.
HARVEST TIME: End of September.
VARIETALS:Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Petit Verdot.
TYPE OF WINES PRODUCED: Toscana I.G.T.
Ceppaiano is one of the great estates of the Castellani family.
PRODUCTION ZONE: Tuscan Coast.
SURFACE AND ALTITUDE OF THE VINEYARD: 50 hectars of specialized vineyards, 30 meters ASL.
TYPE OF SOIL: mostly sandy rich of river limestones.
TRAINING SYSTEM: spur cordon.
DENSITY OF VINES: 6000 vines per hectar.
PRODUCTION PER HECTARE: 6 tons.
AVERAGE AGE OF VINES: 10 years.
HARVEST TIME: September.
VARIETALS: Sangiovese, Cabernet, Merlot, Montepulciano.
TYPE OF WINES PRODUCED: Toscana I.G.T., Chianti D.O.C.G.
Pontedera
Pontedera is an Italian industrial town in Tuscany, Italy, in the administrative province of Pisa. It is the headquarters of the Piaggio company, which in the 1930s was a major aircraft manufacturer and which now manufactures motor vehicles such as the Vespa and the Ape...
,Italy near Pisa
Pisa
Pisa is a city in Tuscany, Central Italy, on the right bank of the mouth of the River Arno on the Tyrrhenian Sea. It is the capital city of the Province of Pisa...
. Castellani produces wine from five main Tuscan estates and is distributed in 42 countries.
Concept
"Since 1903 my family has been exporting its own finest Estate wines from Tuscany.We have changed and evolved over the decades, but throughout the years, the constant philosophy of our work has remained the same. "The quality of the wine begins in the vineyard", as my ancestors used to say. As we enter this century, our aim and aspiration is today, what has always been: to create memorable wines. This is the reason why our work during the last ten years has been so passionate, investing in research and new cellar technologies."Piergiorgio Castellani Jr. joined in the company after graduating from Pisa University and is now responsible for the Agricultural and Winemaking Department.
"During the past 25 years, we have been untiringly working in our Estates for vineyard selection, to ensure the best soil types, microclimates and light exposure to the sun of the grapes. Sophisticated enological techniques and intensive research on different clones, have allowed us to valorise the great Tuscan vines, like the Sangiovese, and to introduce new local clones that will contribute to the launch of innovative wines and to the promotion of the image of wine-producing Tuscany."
Pier Giorgio Castellani Sr., expert wine-connoisseur and initiator of the Castellani expansion phase, continues to provide the financial and production policy guidelines.
"In addition to viticulture practice, aging is a key part of the quality improvement of our top wines. We use a combination of both French and American oaks depending on the grape variety. Both the grape variety and oaks influence how long the wine will spend in barrels. Before bottling, the wine from each barrel is tasted for selection and to obtain the final blend. Minimal filtration and additional ageing in the bottle are the final steps to ensure maximum quality." Roberto Castellani directly contributed to the improvement and boost of the distribution of Castellani wines throughout the world, and is now Sales and Marketing Director.
History
The Castellani’s business was established in Montecalvoli at the end of the 19th century as Alfred, a long-standing wine grower, decided to start bottling and selling his wine.In 1903 the business was officially registered at the Chamber of Commerce in Pisa. Alfredo’s sons, Duilio and Mario, began the firm’s expansion period. A meticulous and intent man, Duilio took an active part in every working stage. The most productive vineyard is in Santa Lucia, in the fertile Arno Valley, where a sprightly and “fit for aging” red wine is produced and bottled in typical straw-covered flasks, gaining the interest of transalpine markets.
One day in the agricultural village of Montecalvoli a railway wagon drawn by a potent lorry inspired Giorgio, Duilio’s son, to export on a large scale. The 1966 flood caused great damage to the Montecalvoli winery. The business was temporarily transferred to the Burchino Estate, on the hills of Terricciola. Giorgio’s brother, Roberto, a brilliant journalist at the newspaper “Il Giornale del Mattino” in Florence rushed to help shovel mud away from the family’s winery and decided to stay and contribute to the firm' evolution.
A well-read and cosmopolitan man, Roberto pioneered the undertaking of sales far-away markets, becoming one of the advocates of Chianti’s international success. The purchase of Poggio al Casone vineyard coincided with the extension of the winery at the Travalda Estate in Santa Lucia. On New Year’s Day in 1982, a fire burned down almost all the firm’s premises. It seemed to be the end. But within few months the Castellani brothers purchased the Campomaggio Estate and, because to the contribution of Piergiorgio, Roberto’s son, the business gathered strength.
Wine-growing and technological research are furthered by clever specialists such as young oenologist Sabino Russo and the agronomist Federico Comassi. Today this centenarian firm enthusiastically pursues the aim of producing wines, which are the expression of one of the greatest oenological regions of the world: Tuscany.
Abstract from an interview to Gianfranco Orsini, trusty collaborator of Duilio.
Antiche Tenute Burchino
Located in TerricciolaTerricciola
Terricciola is a comune in the Province of Pisa in the Italian region Tuscany, located about 50 km southwest of Florence and about 30 km southeast of Pisa...
, a medieval village in the Pisan hills, this estate includes more than 42 hectares of vineyards. Antiche Tenute Burchino has been owned by the Castellani family since the middle of nineteenth century.
The beauty and tranquility of the hills and villages that surround the Estate make Burchino a sanctuary of peace and harmony.
PRODUCTION ZONE: Colline Pisane, Terricciola county.
SURFACE OF THE VINEYARD: 42 Ha.
ALTITUDE OF THE VINEYARD: 120 metres above the sea level.
TYPE OF SOIL: Sedimentary, rather sandy and clayey, rich in fossil-shells.
TRAINING SYSTEM: Spur cordon.
DENSITY OF VINES: 5700 per hectare.
PRODUCTION PER HECTARE: 6,5 tons.
AVERAGE AGE OF VINES: 15 years.
HARVEST TIME: End of September.
TYPE OF WINES PRODUCED: Chianti Superiore D.O.C.G., Toscana I.G.T.
VARIETALS: Autochthon, Sangiovese various clones, Ciliegiolo. International, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauv., Merlot.
Tenuta Poggio al Casone
The Poggio al Casone vineyard is situated on the hills of Pisa in the district of Crespina in a spot studded with gorgeous villas of the 19th century. The particular soil and the positive influence of the Tyrrhenian coast create a microclimate, ideal to obtain great quality red wines.Poggio al Casone is a natural oasis and a “hunting respect zone”. The entire Estate is trained with natural viticulture, that uses organic procedures in cultivation methods and vine training. The use of viticulture practices of various organic ecological and biodynamic systems integrated with a wide research and experimental program, aims to develop new methods to reduce the impact of chemicals and mechanical interference on soil and vines.
PRODUCTION ZONE: Colline Pisane, Crespina county.
SURFACE OF THE VINEYARD: 30 Ha.
ALTITUDE OF THE VINEYARD: 80 metres above the sea level, 25 km far from the sea.
TYPE OF SOIL: Sedimentary, rather tufaceus and clayey.
TRAINING SYSTEM: Spur cordon.
DENSITY OF VINES: 4000 per hectare on old vineyards, 5700 per hectare on new vineyards.
PRODUCTION PER HECTARE: 6 tons.
AVERAGE AGE OF VINES: 15 years.
HARVEST TIME: End of September.
VARIETALS: Autochthon, Sangiovese various clones, Canaiolo, Ciliegiolo.
Local, Giacomino, Canina, Grand Noir. International, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah.
TYPE OF WINES PRODUCED: Chianti Superiore D.O.C.G., Toscana I.G.T.
Tenuta Di Campomaggio
Campomaggio vineyards are located in the centre of the marvelous area of Chianti Classico in Radda in Chianti County. The over thirty hectares of vines widen on sweet hills exposed at “Solatio”, dominated by a typical Tuscan village.PRODUCTION ZONE: Chianti Classico, Radda county.
SURFACE OF THE VINEYARD: 70 Ha, 30 Ha of specialized vineyard.
ALTITUDE OF THE VINEYARD: 480 metres above the sea level.
TYPE OF SOIL: Crumbly, rich in stones, Galestro and Alberese.
TRAINING SYSTEM: Spur cordon.
DENSITY OF VINES: 4000 per hectare on old vineyards,, 5700 per hectare on a new vineyards.
PRODUCTION PER HECTARE: 6 tons.
AVERAGE AGE OF VINES: 15 years.
HARVEST TIME: Early October.
VARIETALS: Autochthon, Sangiovese, Malvasia near, Canaiolo.International, Syrah, Cabernet Sauv.
TYPE OF WINES PRODUCED: Chianti Classico D.O.C.G., Toscana I.G.T., Chianti Classico D.O.C.G. Riserva.
Fattoria di Travalda
Located in Santa Lucia, at the foot of the Pisan hills, this estate includes more than 5 hectares of land.It is ancient family Estate where, besides the main cellar and barrique storeroom, a vineyard is reserved to the activities of viticulture research.
PRODUCTION ZONE: Colline Pisane.
SURFACE OF THE VINEYARD: 5 Ha.
TYPE OF SOIL: Deep muddy and clayey soil.
TRAINING SYSTEM: Spur cordon.
DENSITY OF VINES: 5700 per Hectare.
PRODUCTION PER HECTARE: 6,5 tons.
AVERAGE AGE OF VINES: 7 years.
HARVEST TIME: End of September.
VARIETALS:Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Petit Verdot.
TYPE OF WINES PRODUCED: Toscana I.G.T.
Tenuta di Ceppaiano
Located on the bank of the Arno River in the province of Pisa, this estate includes more than 40 hectares of vineyards.Ceppaiano is one of the great estates of the Castellani family.
PRODUCTION ZONE: Tuscan Coast.
SURFACE AND ALTITUDE OF THE VINEYARD: 50 hectars of specialized vineyards, 30 meters ASL.
TYPE OF SOIL: mostly sandy rich of river limestones.
TRAINING SYSTEM: spur cordon.
DENSITY OF VINES: 6000 vines per hectar.
PRODUCTION PER HECTARE: 6 tons.
AVERAGE AGE OF VINES: 10 years.
HARVEST TIME: September.
VARIETALS: Sangiovese, Cabernet, Merlot, Montepulciano.
TYPE OF WINES PRODUCED: Toscana I.G.T., Chianti D.O.C.G.