Viniou Reviews
Famiglia Castellani’s Chianti DOC 2024 is a classic Italian red wine, crafted primarily from Sangiovese grapes, as is traditional for this famous Tuscan appellation. This youthful 2024 vintage expresses the bright, vivacious character emblematic of the region. The winemaking process typically involves fermentation in temperature-controlled stainless steel vats to preserve freshness, followed by a brief period of maturation, often in large oak casks or inert containers, to maintain the wine’s fruit-forward profile. Expect vibrant aromas of sour cherry, redcurrant, and subtle wild herbs, with a palate offering firm yet approachable tannins, lively acidity, and a gently savoury finish.
Chianti’s reputation stretches back centuries, and the region is one of the most revered wine-producing areas in Tuscany. The rolling hills of Chianti are composed mainly of galestro (a schistous clay) and alberese (limestone), offering excellent drainage and imbuing the wines with a distinctive mineral tension. The area benefits from a warm, moderately continental climate, with marked diurnal shifts that allow grapes to ripen fully while retaining vital acidity. This combination of terroir and traditional methods gives Chianti its unmistakable vibrancy and food-friendly structure.
When it comes to food pairing, this Chianti DOC is versatile, making it a quintessential partner for Tuscan cuisine. It shines alongside classic dishes such as pappardelle al ragù (wide ribbon pasta with meat sauce), roast pork with herbed potatoes, or grilled vegetables drizzled with olive oil. Its lively acidity also makes it a lovely match for tomato-based pizzas and mature pecorino cheese. For a regional experience, pair with bistecca alla fiorentina, the renowned Tuscan T-bone steak, to complement both the wine’s tannins and the meat’s richness.
For optimal enjoyment, serve this Chianti slightly below room temperature, ideally between 16-18°C. Decanting for half an hour will help open up its youthful bouquet. This 2024 vintage can be enjoyed in its youth for its freshness, though it will develop more complexity over the next two to three years.
