Useful Address Castellina in Chianti

Approaching Gagliole from Castellina, one travels along a road almost hidden amidst the classic Chianti-area vegetation, with its young oaks and ilexes, which winds down the western slope of the high hills that provide a magnificent view of the Elsa Valley. Travel around the last curve, and there is the winery, announced by a line of dark green cypresses, with slender, heaven-reaching shapes that seem to protect the galestro-rich terraces that host some of Gagliole’s estate finest vineyards. There are 10 hectares of vineyards in Castellina, of which 4 form a semi-circle around the winery itself, facing west, southwest, and southeast. The brownish-yellow soil here is derived from clay pebbles, a terrain classic to Chianti at this elevation, 450 metres. Sangiovese predominates here, followed by Cabernet Sauvignon and Malvasia Bianca, all ancient vines. The latter have now reached an age of 40 years , while the younger vineyards date back to 1996. Later, in 2011, Gagliole’s viticultural wealth was further enriched by a considerable vineyard located in the Conca d’Oro in Panzano in Chianti, whose site, exposure, and potential quality immediately excited Monika & Thomas Bär.