THE BIRDS OF CASTELLARE: A STORY THAT BEGAN 40 YEARS AGO. HERE IS THE PROTAGONIST OF THE 2017 VINTAGE
It’s the Yellowhammer (Emberiza citrinella) the new bird on the label of Castellare di Castellina Chianti Classico 2017. A graceful little bird with a golden plumage that belongs to the threatened species ever less present in the Chianti countryside due to the indiscriminate use of synthetic chemicals.
However, in Castellare di Castellina’ vineyards for over 40 years no synthetic chemicals have been used to protect local fauna and health. The birds are an iconic presence that has always distinguished Castellare di Castellina wines making them recognizable all over the world.
It was 1977 when, for the first time, a Goldfinch appeared on the labels of the Vin Santo S. Niccolò and on the first vintage of I Sodi di S. Niccolò. The decision to use this nice bird was taken by Paolo Panerai not only to pay tribute to its beauty, but also to communicate the company’s production philosophy. In fact, the use of herbicides and pesticides was (and still is in some case) very widespread in the area. Whereas, from the beginning, the decision of Castellare di Castellina, which anticipated similar choices then taken by other companies, was to avoid the use of herbicides, pesticides and any kind of systemic chemical product. From this very first label, every new vintage pays homage to one of the many endangered birds which color the Chianti countryside.
The Yellowhammer that appears on the 2017 vintage of the Castellare Chianti Classico attests the ecological and organic choice of the company that since the very first days has moved along the path towards sustainability.