93 Point Tuscan Red – Under $19!

'EXOTIC, CAPTIVATING' TUSCAN RED FROM CASTELVECCHIO!

"Not only did this charming Tuscan red from Castelvecchio receive 93 points from Antonio Galloni (who describes it as 'delicious'), but it is a superb value at under $19 a bottle (24% less than the release price)! Canaiolo is a little known grape variety that is grown throughout central Italy, particularly in Chianti. It exhibits wonderful freshness and intensity without sacrificing structure. Although it typically takes a back seat to Sangiovese, you can actually find Canaiolo in many bottles of Chianti! With juicy red berries and juniper, it pairs well with red meat. We got a great deal and lowered our price on this tasty gem - for those of you who missed out on this wine a couple weeks ago, we just got a new shipment in; so fire up the grill and pick up a case today! Drink some now, and stash a few bottles away for later!" – Jim Knight, The Wine House

"The 2013 Numero Otto, 100% Canaiolo, opens with exotic, captivating aromatics. Juniper berries, mint, sweet red berries and flowers all take shape in the glass. The 2013 is delicate and mid-weight, with lovely translucency, finesse and crystalline fruit. Castelvecchio has really dialed in on style that works for the Numero Otto. The 2013 is delicious. Drinking window: 2016 - 2028" –Antonio Galloni, September 2015

"A full and rich wine with lots of pepper, dried fruit and spice flavors. Full and soft. Tangy combination of acidity and dried fruits. Drink now." –James Suckling, August 2015

FROM THE WINERY

About 'Numero Otto'

Blend: 100% Black Canaiolo grapes.
Description: Canaiolo has always been an underestimated grape variety, actually in its simplicity it astonishes by its freshness, intensity and firm structure, yet it is not too intrusive compared to the immediate drinkability and pleasure. Numero 8 is a niche product since harvest 2003. The producer is trying to explain the Tuscan territory through its autoctonous vines that characterize the immense potentiality and diversity of it. Ageing in barriques for 8 months and further refinement in bottle.
Color: Ruby red.
Bouquet: Very fruity, variegated, fresh and floral with aromas of violet.
Taste: Medium-bodied. Tannic structure with light balsamic hints and smooth and silky tannins, not aggressive nor intrusive, characteristics of this particular wine.
Grapes from our vineyards: Canaiolo Lombardi - Vineyard of 40 years.

The sign Numero 8 is related to 4 factors: it is the eighth wine of Castelvecchio, it has aged for eight months in barriques, Otto is the name of Filippo's Golden Retriever and finally, 8, is the infinity symbol and relates to the infinite emotions that each wine is able to transmit. The original label has been elaborated on a first design of the Florentine artist and restorer Chiara Piani.

The Vineyards
The Castelvecchio farm is in San Pancrazio in the municipality of San Casciano Val di Pesa, 20 km from Florence, in Chianti DOCG-Denomination controlled and guarantee as production area properly as Chianti Colli Fiorentini –Florentine hills. The condition of the soil is Pliocene in origin. It is characterized mainly by a kind of pebbly limestone rich in marl, and by sandstone, which offer a good agronomic fertility and basic freshness.

Since 1960 the farm has 73 hectares of land, 30 of which are vineyards, and 15 olive groves. As since 1995 18 hectares of new specialized vineyards have been replanted, as they are almost located on hillsides: Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon and Petit Verdot grapes with south-eastern exposure ,while on the north-west facing slopes the Canaiolo nero, Merlot, Trebbiano and Malvasia del Chianti are grown. The wine cellars, situated beneath the villa, have steel vats for the vinification process, oak casks for ageing and an ideal atmosphere for refining wines. The quality of wines derives mostly from the excellent grapes that arrive in the cellar, obtained through passion and continuous care for our vineyards as a guarantee for an exclusive product. The production line aims to underline the character and originality of each wine.

History
Historically, Castelvecchio was one of the most ancient and important holdings of the Cavalcanti family. The name of the property can already be seen in a parchment from 1189, making note of a real estate transaction, and in which reference is made to a CastelVecchio (or Old Castle) in Val di Pesa.

The building traces the variable fortunes of the Cavalcanti family until the time when, after the conclusion of the battle of Monteaperti, it was razed to the ground. In the 15th century, almost directly on top of the ruins, the present villa was built. Later abandoned, the house fell into disrepair where it languished as a simple farmhouse forgotten in the midst of a thick wood. In 1960, the villa was properly restored to its former elegance replete by Renzo Rocchi with the dignified air becoming a Manor Estate. Though it was in a spirit of lightheartedness that the wine cellars were built and the vineyards planted, all begins for passion and love for the country-side.

Immediately outside the estate one can still see the ruins of the original Castello dei Cavalcanti, while the Chapel of San Lorenzo remains very well preserved. Records of this church date back to the end of the 12th century, where, in pure Romane style. The coat of arms as logo of the winery since many years was copied from the original one in stoce on the of the chapel's door entrance. It is said that originally the chapel belonged to a small community which was united over the following centuries with the parish of San Pancrazio, to be found 2 km from Castelvecchio.