Castagna La Chiave Sangiovese 2017

Castagna, based in the Beechworth region of Victoria, Australia, is a biodynamic winery known for producing elegant, terroir-driven wines. La Chiave, meaning "the key" in Italian, is Castagna’s take on the traditional Sangiovese grape, drawing inspiration from the great wines of Tuscany while reflecting the unique cool-climate conditions of Beechworth. The 2017 vintage showcases the winery’s commitment to minimal intervention winemaking, allowing the purity of the fruit and the natural vibrancy of the Sangiovese grape to shine.

This biodynamic wine is grown on granite-rich soils, which contribute to the wine’s structure and minerality, while the cool growing season of 2017 provided a long ripening period, resulting in excellent balance between fruit, acidity, and tannins.

Appearance: Bright ruby with garnet reflections, indicating both youth and the potential for further aging.

Aroma: The nose is complex and expressive, with aromas of red cherry, wild strawberry, and cranberry, complemented by earthy notes of dried herbs, leather, and tobacco. There’s a subtle spiciness with hints of black tea, rose petals, and a touch of forest floor, adding depth and elegance.

Taste: Medium-bodied with vibrant acidity, the palate is fresh and lively, offering flavours of sour cherry, red plum, and raspberry. These bright fruit flavours are balanced by savoury undertones of dried herbs, leather, and a hint of earthy truffle. The tannins are firm yet finely grained, providing structure without being too aggressive, while the wine’s natural acidity keeps the palate balanced and fresh.

Finish: Long and persistent, with lingering red fruit, dried herbs, and a touch of spice. The finish is elegant, with a clean, refreshing acidity and a hint of minerality that reflects the wine’s biodynamic roots.

Pairings: Pulled duck tortellini in a French onion broth with sprouts, chive, and dried shallots. The wine’s acidity will cut through the richness of the duck, while its savoury, earthy notes will complement the umami flavours of the onion broth.

Slow-cooked porchetta wrapped in jamon with cavolo nero, parsley, garlic, onion jam, and red wine jus. The savoury, herb-infused flavours of the porchetta will pair beautifully with the Sangiovese’s bright fruit and dried herb character, while its tannins and acidity will balance the richness of the dish.

Castagna La Chiave Sangiovese 2017 is an elegant, complex wine that brings a uniquely Australian twist to the Sangiovese grape. Its balance of fresh acidity, fine tannins, and savoury depth makes it a perfect match for rich, flavourful dishes, and its structure ensures that it will age beautifully over the next decade.