Castell’in Villa

Greek-born Princess Coralia Pignatelli della Leonessa is a true force of nature. She and her husband Riccardo arrived in Chianti Classico in the 60s purchasing a medieval hamlet in the Castelnuovo Berardenga district. She made her first wine in 1971 but continued selling most of the grapes, then wine in bulk until she was suddenly widowed in 1985.

Instead of abandoning the property she doubled down, gleaning knowledge from renowned consultants such as Giacomo Tachis. Today she continues working with Federico Starderini (think Poggio di Sotto). Nonetheless, there is no doubt who has the final say.

Coralia prizes body and power. Her wines are vertical and steely. She is never in a rush to put them on the market. They typically need years in the cellar and lots of oxygen to open. Even the Chianti Classico which hails from lower plots on marine sand can be squirreled away. The Riserva is crafted from higher elevations, where Alberese (limestone-rich marls) prevail. It is one of the denomination’s most cellar worthy gems.

Now well into her 80s, Coralia still insists on blending the wines. Obviously, there is concern about the fate of this venerated estate. The recent presence of her son Luigi has dispelled some of the speculation.