Castell' in Villa
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Country of Origin: Italy
Location: Castelnuovo Berardenga
People: Coralia Pignatelli, Owner | Matteo Altare, Vineyard Manager & Winemaker
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Castell’in Villa is an iconic Tuscan estate with roots dating back to the 12th century. The medieval village remains remarkably intact, with many original structures still standing and sweeping views over the Chianti Senese.
The first documented reference dates to August 1176, when the community formally became part of the Municipality of Siena. By the 13th century, its strategic position made it a key outpost in Siena’s rivalry with Florence, evident today in the tower and the Church of San Cristoforo that still define the landscape.
In 1968, Coralia Pignatelli della Leonessa and her husband Riccardo purchased the 300-hectare estate. Without a background in wine, Coralia set out to build a true working farm, an effort that, over time, has grown into one of the most respected estates in Tuscany. The focus has always been on sustainability, traditional methods, elegance, balance, and wines built for long-term aging. That reputation was both hard earned and well deserved.
Today, Castell’in Villa is a fully realized agricultural estate and village. In addition to its 50 hectares of vines, the property includes olive groves, grains, a mill and bakery, a hunting lodge, restaurant, agriturismo, and residences for some of the team, including the tower home where Coralia still lives. The cellar is equally impressive, home to an extensive library of older vintages and one of the largest collections of large format (500hl) oak casks in Italy. We’re fortunate to occasionally offer limited library releases to great supporters and inquiring clients.
Through decades of massale selection, Castell’in Villa’s Sangiovese clone has become a quiet reference point across the region, influencing top growers not only in Castelnuovo Berardenga but also in higher elevation communes like Radda, Gaiole, Castellina, and Greve.
The range of wine extends beyond Chianti Classico and Riserva to include La Gazzara Rosato IGT Toscana, Poggio delle Rose Chianti Classico Riserva, and the Cabernet-based Santacroce Toscana Rosso, each rooted in the estate’s history and sense of place. When can we taste?