Ep. 2618 From Mezzadria to Modern Sangiovese: The Castellare di Castellina Legacy with Alessandro Cellai | Wine, Food & Travel with Marc Millon

Welcome to episode 2618 of the Italian Wine Podcast and episode 232 of Wine, Food & Travel with Marc Millon. In this episode, Marc is in conversation with Alessandro Cellai of Domini Castellare di Castellina in the heart of Chianti Classico. They explore the estate’s history and philosophy, from the legacy of mezzadria to pioneering work with Attilio Scienza on Sangiovese clone selection, long before the Chianti 2000 project. The conversation also covers organic vineyard practices, the key soils shaping Sangiovese’s expression, lessons from Giacomo Tachis, signature wines, Malvasia Nera as Sangiovese’s partner, and the gastronomy and hospitality that define the Castellare vision. More about today’s guest: Founded in the 1970s, Castellare di Castellina was created with the goal of producing high-quality, terroir-driven Chianti Classico rooted in Tuscan tradition. The estate spans about 80 hectares, with 33 hectares of vineyards farmed according to organic principles at around 370 meters above sea level. Known for low yields, careful clone selection, and a strong commitment to biodiversity, symbolized by the rare birds featured on each label, the winery focuses on expressing pure Sangiovese and the distinctive soils of Chianti Classico. Alessandro Cellai is the head winemaker, general manager and managing director of Castellare di Castellina. He studied oenology at the Istituto Tecnico of Siena and chemistry at the University of Florence. Considered one of the most authoritative voices in the world wine scene, he is known for his philosophy based on technique, passion and innovation. Connect: Website: https://www.castellare.it/en/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/castellarewine/ Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/domini-castellare-di-castellina/ More about the host: Marc Millon, a VIA Italian Wine Ambassador since 2021, is a celebrated expert in the world of wine, food, and travel and an award-winning author of 15 books on these topics. Since 2021, he has been the host of the ‘Wine, Food, and Travel with Marc Millon’ weekly series on the Italian Wine Podcast, which now has well over 220 episodes of the show. Marc’s latest book is “Italy in a Wineglass – the Taste of History” published by Hurst, London and Melville House, New York (Guild of Food Writers ‘Drinks Writer Award’ 2025 and the World Gourmand ‘Best Wine History Book in the World Award’ 2025). In addition to his writing and podcasting, Marc is a sought-after speaker and hosts gastronomic cultural tours to Italy in partnership with Martin Randall Travel, a leading specialist in cultural travel. When he's not exploring the culinary landscapes of the world, Marc resides along the scenic River Exe in Devon, England. Connect: Website: https://www.quaypress.uk https://www.marcmillon.co.uk https://www.vino.co.uk https://www.quaypress.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marc-millon-50868624/ Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/Marc_Millon _______________________________ Let's keep in touch! Follow Italian Wine Podcast on our social media channels: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/italianwinepodcast/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ItalianWinePodcast Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/itawinepodcast Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mammajumboshrimp LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/italianwinepodcast If you feel like helping us, donate here: https://www.italianwinepodcast.com/donate-to-show/ Until next time, Cin Cin! Thanks for listening! This show is all about food and wine pairings, and traveling through Italy with Marc. Join him on this food, wine and cultural journey!