Querciabella

History
Querciabella was founded in 1974 by Giuseppe Castiglioni in Ruffoli, Greve in Chianti, Tuscany, starting with a small estate to produce elegant Sangiovese-based wines. By the 1990s, it became one of Italy's innovative producers. After Giuseppe's death in 2003, his son Sebastiano Cossia Castiglioni led the shift to sustainability. The estate adopted organic farming in 1988, biodynamics in 2000, and a plant-based approach in 2010. Today, managed by Mita Castiglioni and her children Andrea and Selene, it spans over 90 hectares in Chianti Classico and Maremma.

Viticulture Philosophy
Querciabella promotes biodiversity and ecological balance, viewing vineyards as ecosystems. Certified organic since 1988 and biodynamic since 2000, it uses a 100% plant-based, vegan approach, avoiding animal products. Sustainability focuses on soil health, low-impact practices, and terroir expression through sites in Chianti Classico and Maremma's Vallemaggiore, emphasizing harmony with nature for profound wine character.

Winemaking Techniques
Wines are crafted with minimal intervention to exalt fruit purity. For reds like Chianti Classico Gran Selezione, grapes are hand-harvested, fermented in stainless steel, followed by submerged cap maceration (Piemontese technique) for five weeks. Aging occurs in French oak barriques (20% new) for 20 months, then six months in bottle. Whites like Batàr (Pinot Bianco-Chardonnay) use biodynamic methods, with fermentation and aging preserving varietal integrity. Blends such as Camartina (Cabernet Sauvignon-Sangiovese) emphasize opulence through careful vinification.

Critics and Journalist Praises
Querciabella's wines consistently earn high praise. James Suckling awarded the 2016 Camartina and Palafreno scores above 95 for their elegance and depth. Antonio Galloni of Vinous gave the 2019 Chianti Classico Riserva 94 points, noting its “vibrant aromas and refined structure.” Wine Spectator's Bruce Sanderson praised the estate's commitment to quality, highlighting the 2017 Sangiovese for its “silky tannins and bright fruit.” Wine Enthusiast commended the 2019 Gran Selezione for its “complexity and aging potential,” scoring it 94 points.