Castello Romitorio
MONTALCINO | SIENA
TUSCANY
| Founded: | 1984 | |
| Owner: | Sandro Chia | |
| Winemaker: | Franco Martini | |
| Hectares under vines: | 45ha | |
| Altitude above sea level: | 198m to 500m | |
| Average annual production: | 150,000 bottles | |
| Green code: | Practicing not certified organic |
WHAT THEY SAY
In the second half of the Eighties, Montalcino was an experimental region. Land, grape growing and oenology relied on the rebirth of Brunello, a centuries-old wine that was able to express the most authentic potential of Sangiovese grapes. Sandro Chia was at the forefront – he understood the importance of creating classic, representative wines, looking to the future and the great international varieties that, particularly in Tuscany, would become an integral part of local oenology. Castello Romitorio inaugurated its new cellar in 2005. The 14th century manor was adorned with the works of Sandro Chia. In the same year Sandro’s son, Filippo Chia, joined the company and started a process of profound renewal of the wines and winemaking style, betting on extremely elegant single varietal Sangiovese to embody the characteristics of the terroir. After thirty years of hard work in the area, Castello Romitorio is now an internationally recognized winery specializing in Sangiovese and Brunello di Montalcino. The Chia family is committed to tradition and the pursuit of excellence, through classic style and innovation. The most demanding challenge is measuring up to an extraordinary area, and continuing to offer consistently high quality wines that express their origin.
WHAT WE SAY
The estate was bought in 1984 by the artist Sandro Chia, (his fascinating works adorn the labels and his sculptures and art decorate the winery). He arrived with a commitment to the study, exploration and promotion of Brunello di Montalcino wine. The estate holds vineyards in both Montalcino, (which sit variously between 198m and 500m in thick oak forest), and Tyrrhenian Sea-kissed vines in Scansano. Sandro’s son Filippo now manages the winery and he has overseen the range quietly garner serious critical acclaim.
WHAT OTHERS SAY:
“Castello Romitorio has cool vineyard sites and is one of the few estates that performs consistently in the warmest years. That’s why the Brunello di Montalcino Riserva is just so darn good. This estate has tweaked its winemaking style over the years to produce increasingly elegant and streamlined wines. There is finesse here, but you also get bold cherry fruit, moist earth, cured tobacco and grilled herb. The mouthfeel is silky and smooth, with good acidity on the close.” Monica Larner on Romitorio’s Brunello di Montalcino Riserva 2012, Wine Spectator.
Brunello di Montalcino DOCG Riserva 2015: “This stunning red exudes bright cherry, blackberry, plum, iron and tobacco aromas and flavors, all knit together almost seamlessly, with vibrant acidity and refined tannins. Shows a combination of power and grace, with a long fruit and savory aftertaste. Best from 2023 through 2047". Winespectator - 98 points.
WINES WE IMPORT:
ROSE:
Rosato Toscana IGT (Sangiovese)
REDS:
Chianti Colli Senesi DOCG (Sangiovese)
Romitoro Il Toro IGT (Syrah, Petit Verdot)
Morellino Di Scansano DOCG (Sangiovese)
Brunello Di Montalcino DOCG (Sangiovese)
Brunello Di Montalcino Filo di Seta DOCG (Sangiovese)
Brunello Di Montalcino Riserva DOCG (Sangiovese)