Located in the province of Siena, the village of Castellina in Chianti rises close to the ancient 15th-century city walls. At 578m above sea level, it is the highest municipality in the Chianti Classico area. It occupies an area of 9,980 hectares that straddles the Val d’Elsa, Val di Pesa, and the Arbia River Valley. with almost 1,682 hectares of vineyards. Consequently, this municipality has the largest area dedicated to Chianti Classico cultivation.
In addition, about 70 percent of the vineyards are already or are converting to organic production, a percentage that is gradually increasing given that all producers are moving toward ever-increasing sustainable viticulture.
Of the 40 member farms, 36 have already been certified as organic or are in the process of converting.
An enchanting place
Designated as an Additional Geographical Unit in the Chianti Classico specification, the Castellina in Chianti area could be subdivided into 15 vocational units (i.e., areas with homogeneous characteristics) where the 40 member companies are found.
The units’ names coincide in some cases with those of local hamlets. Prominent toponyms have inspired others in the area: La Piazza, Ricavo, Grignano, Sant’Agnese-Cipressetta, Cispiano, Casalta, Ferròzzola, Castagnoli, Santa Cristina-Lilliano, Croce Fiorentina, Casamonti, Cerna-Casale, Fonterutoli, Macìe, and Réncine. All have soils rich in skeletal and limestone marls, optimal exposures, and substantial temperature ranges, which have always permitted harvesting grapes of the highest quality.
“An area set amidst ancient medieval atmospheres and panoramic views has developed in Tuscany’ green heart”
“Pentecost in Castellina”
A major food and wine event, attracting many visitors.
In the second half of the 1990s, the first “Chianti d’Autunno” event took place, organized in the beautiful setting of Castellina in Chianti’s “Volte”, the medieval walkway under the town walls.
During this village festival, growers and restaurateurs offered tastings of local products.
A few years later, the event was moved to the spring, becoming “Pentecost in Castellina,” organized by the Castellina in Chianti Winegrowers Association in cooperation with the municipal administration.
Master-classes, dinners under the stars, and entertainment are the makings of an event during which the association’s producers offer tastings of their wines.
“Pentecost in Castellina in Chianti illuminates the area with special activities and events.”
