Description
RED CELLAR TRIO WINE CLUB SELECTION
Castello Romitorio’s history is one of continual transformation: a temple, a fortress and monastery, a castle and manor house, and later a shelter for shepherds and their flocks before becoming an artist’s studio and winery. Its story reaches from Etruscan and Roman times through the Middle Ages, abandonment, and eventual renewal. That modern chapter began in 1984, when artist Sandro Chia purchased the property in the hills northwest of Montalcino. He made the old manor his home and studio, undertaking its restoration alongside the revival of the surrounding vineyards, holm oak woods, and heathland. For Chia, restoring the castle meant more than preserving its architecture: it meant reawakening the land’s longstanding connection to wine. As Montalcino entered a period of experimentation and growing ambition in the late 1980s, he embraced a vision that balanced respect for tradition with a willingness to innovate, planting local Sangiovese clones and pursuing wines expressive of their origins.
The inauguration of a new cellar in 2005 marked another milestone, bringing contemporary winemaking into a historic setting enriched by Chia’s artworks. That same year, his son Filippo joined the company, beginning a new phase of development focused on refining the wines and expressing the elegance of Sangiovese. Across two generations, Castello Romitorio has grown into an internationally recognized winery, with Brunello di Montalcino at its heart. Chia’s artworks grace the manor and wine labels, uniting an artist’s imagination with the enduring character of the land. The estate began its official transition to certified organic farming in early 2020, emphasizing the preservation of raw, wild terroir across its estate vineyards.
The 2021 “Colto” captures the vitality of young Sangiovese vines rooted deep in the unspoiled woodlands of northwestern Montalcino. Six months of maturation in wood, followed by six months in cement and another six in bottle, shape a Rosso that balances youthful brightness with the promise of longevity. A striking cherry hue with vivid scarlet highlights, this Rosso opens with aromas of dried red fruit, dusty earth, and a delicate touch of dried green herbs. The palate is fresh and beautifully structured, layering concentrated cherry, raspberry, and dried strawberry over warm, baked-earth undertones. Vibrant fruit brings lift to its generous breadth and depth, while an underlying elegance keeps the wine poised and harmonious. 500 cases produced.
