Castello d’Albola, the highest vineyard in Chianti Classico

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Today the estate represents the fulfilment of the Zonin family’s dream. This is the reason why we could say that Castello d’Albola is made - to quote Shakespeare - of such stuff as dreams are made on.

Castello d’Albola in Chianti Classico
Image: Castello d’Albola in Chianti Classico © Castello d’Albola

The medieval village of Castello d’Albola stands on the magnificent Chianti hills, in an unique location known for the charm of its history, for the evocative power of art and for the unique landscape and agrarian context of unrivalled harmony. Once belonging to some of the most noble Tuscan Families throughout the ages, the estate has been in the care and protection of the Zonin Family for over 30 years.

the Zonin family
Image: the Zonin family © Castello d’Albola

The Zonin Family has also enlarged both the vineyards and the estate, which today covers 900 hectares, of which 150 are under vine and where there are also over 4 thousand olive trees. In addition to the recuperation of the villa, a new winery has also been built, in perfect harmony with the landscape.

The high vineyards that surround the hamlet of Castello d’Albola form a site of outstanding quality and they represent the most evocative amphitheatre of vines in all of Chianti Classico. The historic vineyards are located at an altitude of between 400 and 550 metres above sea level and are exposed to light. But the iconic vineyard of Albola is undoubtedly Il Solatio, which is perched on the stony soil of a breathtakingly steep hill at between 550 and 600 meters above sea level.

The main grape variety is Sangiovese, the flagship grape of Chianti Classico. Sangiovese vines cover around 90% Castello d’Albola’s area under vine. White varieties - Chardonnay and Malvasia del Chianti Classico - are also cultivated in the cooler vineyards for the production of Castello d’Albola’s fine Vin Santo, another typical Tuscan sweet wine.

winemaker Alessandro Gallo and a bottle of Castello d'Albola 1962
Image: winemaker Alessandro Gallo and a bottle of Castello d'Albola 1962 © Castello d'Albola

Agronomic and viticultural research is also continual and is conducted in collaboration with the Italian Ministry of Agriculture and with the Chianti Classico Consortium. Castello d’Albola is, in fact, considered to be the archetypical vineyard of Chianti Classico.

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