Castello di Albola Chianti Classico is a red wine from a historic estate perched high in the hills of Radda in Chianti. The grapes are organically grown in the heart of Tuscany, with the estate’s lineage reaching back to the Middle Ages. Since 1979 it has been under the care of the Zonin family, who have lovingly restored it to its present splendour.
The 2023 vintage is produced from a blend of the finest organic Sangiovese grapes sourced from eight of the estate’s vineyards. The wine rests for twelve months in Slavonian oak barrels, then matures for a further eighteen months in bottle before release, allowing time for its character to fully develop.
In the glass it shows a vivid ruby-red hue, with aromas of red fruit including cherry, strawberry and raspberry, accompanied by a gentle touch of oak. On the tongue it is dry with slight tannins, lighter than expected and offering a light to medium body. There is a delicate expression of fruit with a velvety texture, all held together in a manner that is both balanced and elegant.
Priced at £40, it has recently been newly listed at Claridge’s Wine Cellar, a boutique treasure tucked away beneath the iconic Mayfair hotel. Since opening in 2021 as part of the hotel’s ambitious five-floor subterranean expansion, it has been a sanctuary for wine lovers. This wine can also be enjoyed in Claridge’s bar and restaurant, making it a fitting match for the hotel’s refined atmosphere.
