Castello Romitorio Tuscan Wine Tasting with Special Guest Filippo Chia Saturday, October 5, 2024 - 7:30 PM

"A man will be eloquent if you give him good wine." --- Ralph Waldo Emerson

Castello Romitorio - The Next Generation of Brunello Producers

Castello Romitorio is located on a hilltop overlooking the Val d'Orcia and facing the township of Monalcino, in the province of Siena.  The castle, surrounded on three sides by thick oak forests, rests in the northwestern quadrant of Montalcino, at an altitude of 450 meters.  On a clear evening, one can see the city of Siena over forty kilometers in the distance. 

Castello Romitorio, a massive twelfth-century hilltop fortress in Montalcino, since 1986 has produced exquisite Tuscan wines, grappa and olive oil in the best traditions of the region.  After acquiring the estate in 1984, artist Sandro Chia spent the next several years restoring Castello Romitorio and transforming its lands into vineyards.  He promptly constructed a cellar on the castle's ground floor with the most advanced equipment on the market, with a keen respect for ancient techniques.  To ensure the highest quality possible Sandro enlisted the expertise of one of Italy's leading enologists, Carlo Ferrini.

Since Sandro Chia bottled his first "Romito del Romitorio" in 1984, he has made clear that his pursuit of artistic perfection displays itself not only on the painted canvas but also in the glass.  Over fourty years of success in art and winemaking has given Castello Romitorio the opportunity to refine their methods even further and they have been constantly innovating and with great care and precision have added new wines to the portfolio at Castello di Romatorio. 

Join us as we welcome Filippo Chia to South Florida for a special evening of current releases from this great producer from Montalcino featuring the newly released 2019 vintage Brunello along with several older vintages of their top wines.



The fee for this tasting which includes dinner is $275 + tax, for reservations call 954-523-9463 or e-mail andy@winewatch.com.  Please let us know when you make your reservations if you have any dietary restrictions or aversions and chefs Toni and Dani will be happy to accommodate you.

Castello Romitorio Tuscan Wine Tasting with Special Guest Filippo Chia

Saturday, October 5, 2024

7:30 PM

2020 Castello Romitorio Metafisica Toscana Bianco

2021 Castello Romitorio Romitorio Tuscany

2020 Castello Romitorio 'Colto' Rosso di Montalcino, Tuscany

2019 Castello Romitorio Brunello di Montalcino

2019 Castello Romitorio Filo di Seta Brunello di Montalcino

2017 Castello Romitorio Filo di Seta Brunello di Montalcino

2016 Castello Romitorio Brunello Di Montalcino Riserva

2016 Castello Romitorio Brunello Di Montalcino Filo Di Seta Riserva

2010 Castello di Romitorio Brunello di Montalcino

2007 Castello Romitorio Riserva Brunello di Montalcino

Menu

Selection of Cheese and Charcuterie

Tuscan White Bean Soup

Beef Tartar served over Bone Marrow Canoe with Truffle Aioli

Veal Osso Bucco Ravioli with Wild Mushroom Sangiovese natural Sauce

Almond Biscotti with Limoncello Whipped Crème

The fee for this tasting which includes dinner is $275 + tax, for reservations call 954-523-9463 or e-mail andy@winewatch.com.  Please let us know when you make your reservations if you have any dietary restrictions or aversions and chefs Toni and Dani will be happy to accommodate you.

A bit about Castello Romitorio

First a temple, then a fortress and a monastery, then a castle, a manor house, a shelter for shepherds and their flocks, and, finally, an art workshop and winery. From the Etruscans to the Romans, through the turbulent Middle Ages, abandonment and then restoration by Sandro Chia in the eighties, Castello Romitorio is a place where time has a physical, tangible dimension. It is a place where wine is an intrinsic part of the history, and which tells the story of hundreds of years of passion for this place, which has always been highly suited to winegrowing, and disputed for its strategic importance as a trade and travel route.

The land where Castello Romitorio now stands was once the fields and woods of the Etruscans, one of the country’s earliest known organized societies and the forerunners of Italian civilization. The village of Murlo, a few kilometres north of Romitorio, contains one of the most important Etruscan archaeological areas, with buildings dating back to the 12th century BC.

The foundations of Castello Romitorio probably date back to Roman times, perhaps as a prison for deserting Christian soldiers. This was a period of growing economy and trade, helped by the position of Val d’Orcia, and crossed by three navigable rivers; the Ombrone, the Arbia and the Orcia. Archaeological remains reveal evidence of wine and honey production, on which the local economy was based.

The Castle became a monastery until at least the 12th century, when disputes between Florence and Siena began. Because of its strategic position at the centre of the transport routes between the coast and central Italy, and between the north and south of the peninsula, it was then fortified. Construction of the present massive, solitary building flanked by a small chapel, dates back to the 14th century. Montalcino, and the system of fortifications of which Castello Romitorio was a part, was always proud of its autonomy. When it surrendered to the Medici in 1559, Montalcino was Italy’s last free township. The first written mentions of Brunello wine, with which Montalcino’s defenders ‘reddened their faces’, date from this time.

Restored as a manor house and patrician villa in the 19th century, Castello Romitorio was abandoned in the Second World War, and remained uninhabited for many years. After being a shelter for shepherds and their flocks, in the seventies it became the property of Baron Giorgio Franchetti, a luminary of the art world and restorer of historic buildings. Having been unable to complete his plans for restoration and further development, the Baron sold the castle as a ruin to Sandro Chia in 1984.

Castello Romitorio’s second life began in 1984, the year it was bought by artist Sandro Chia, who made the old manor his home and art studio. As well as the Castle, Chia took over the vineyards, holm oak woods and heathland. The objective was immediately apparent – Romitorio could only shine once more if, after renovation of the Castle, its ancient affinity with winegrowing was also revived.

In the second half of the Eighties, Montalcino was an experimental region. Vineyards and wineries innovated with respect to their tradition, in pursuit of a new, but ancient identity. Land, grape growing and oenology relied on the rebirth of Brunello, a centuries-old wine that was able to express the most authentic potential of Sangiovese grapes. Sandro Chia was at the forefront – he understood the importance of creating classic, representative wines.

Castello Romitorio inaugurated its new cellar in 2005. The 14th century manor was adorned with the works of Sandro Chia, designed to blend the avant-garde with a thousand years of history and antiquity. In the same year Sandro’s son, Filippo Chia, joined the company and started a process of profound renewal of the wines and winemaking style, betting on extremely elegant single varietal Sangiovese to embody the characteristics of the terroir.

After thirty years of hard work in the area, Castello Romitorio is now an internationally recognized winery specializing in Sangiovese and Brunello di Montalcino. Filippo Chia is committed to tradition and the pursuit of excellence, through classic style and innovation. The most demanding challenge is measuring up to an extraordinary area, and continuing to offer consistently high quality wines that express their origin.

Sandro Chia is Italy’s most prominent contemporary artist that is living today.  He was commissioned by the Guggenheim museum in Manhattan NY to exhibit his work and then went on to make very good money as an artist.  Filippo his son has taken over the winery as of the 2004 harvest and is now in control of the production at the Castel.

We have developed a friendship with Filippo Chia over the years and have had an opportunity to break bread with him to discuss his family’s winery and the newest releases from the winery.  On his most recent visit here we discussed his experience growing up with his father being a famous artist and having Andy Warhol painting several portraits of him as a child, these are probably worth huge money today.  Filippo had a very good childhood compared to his grandfather, who died penniless and homeless.   Thus, one of Sandro’s goals in life was to have a castle to provide for the next generation and to carry on his success as an artist, vintner and most importantly as a father.

Since Sandro Chia bottled his first "Romito del Romitorio" in 1984, he has made clear that his pursuit of artistic perfection displays itself not only on the painted canvas but also in the glass.  Over twenty-five years of success in art and winemaking has given Castello Romitorio the opportunity to refine their methods even further.

All the wines from Castello Romitorio on SALE!!

2020 Castello Romitorio Metafisica Toscana Bianco

Price: $69.00                     Your Price: $60.72

This is the first vintage of Chardonnay from Castello Romitorio and the vineyard is located at the highest point in an area that has Oyster Shells in the soils with a good amount of ripe tree fruit lemon green apple and white flowers with just a touch of that briny minerality here and a touch of oak on the nose as the wine spends nine months in barrique.  Bright and fresh style with a good amount of ripe fruit complimented but lightly toasted oak spice and a firm hand of acidity here tongue tingly minerality lengthening the finish.  Only 1200 bottles produced.  Finish 45+  Excellent +

2021 Castello Romitorio Romitorio Tuscany

Price: $22.50                     Your Price: $19.80

A blend of Syrah and Petit Verdot 50/50 from their vineyards in Scansano and this wine has a good amount of ripe dark plum and dark cherry berry fruit with notes of black spices, fresh earth and floral nuance on the nose, nice complexity here.  A dense and rich wine with an array of dark berry fruit, ripe round tannins and pretty violet perfume floral notes, licorice spice, a very drinkable wine but has balance and complexity to age for at least a decade..  Finish 40+  Excellent

2019 Castello Romitorio Romitoro Tuscany

Price: $22.50                     Your Price: $19.80                Quantity in Stock: 2

2020 Castello Romitorio 'Colto' Rosso di Montalcino, Tuscany

Price: $66.75                     Your Price: $58.74

Colto is aged in our cellar for 6 months in wood, 6 months in cement and 6 months in the bottle before being released.  A glorious expression of Sangiovese from the region’s cooler northwestern climate, this is a wine with noteworthy potential for aging that will develop complexity, character and grace with additional time in the cellar.

2019 Castello Romitorio Brunello di Montalcino

Price: $80.25                     Your Price: $70.62

Red berry and plum fruit with dried flowers, sweet herbs and a note of exotic spices on the nose nice complexity.  A good amount of fruit on the tongue wtih nice freshness and balance a stylish wine with tannins on the finish but is drinking beautifully already.  It seems that because of the balance and freshness along with the intensity of fruit this vintage will also age gracefully.  finish 50+  Most Excellent

The Castello Romitorio Brunello di Montalcino is our flagship wine and reflects more than 30 years of working in harmony with nature within the terroir of Montalcino.  It is a wine that expresses the Montalcino territory with purity tradition of cultivating world class Sangiovese.  The Romitorio estate has vineyards in the Northwest area of Montalcino. Our classic Brunello is produced with Sangiovese grapes carefully harvested and selected by hand on the sorting table, both before and after destemming.  Fermentation takes place in stainless steel tanks with an initial short period of cold maceration (below 20°C) on the skins for about 15-20 hours. This is followed by up to 20 days of maceration at a higher controlled temperature. Malolactic fermentation that is naturally caused then lasts for about 10 days, before the wine is rested to separate the lees.  The wine matures in oak for approximately 24 months, and after bottling the wine is aged in Castello Romitorio’s temperature-controlled cellars until release.

2018 Castello Romitorio Brunello di Montalcino

Price: $76.50                     Your Price: $67.32

There is something heady and invigorating about this: a lifted nose of oak and fruit with notions of Marasca cherry, violet and pomegranate. Earthy hints appear, too, as do nuances of sage and soy with increasing age.  The body has densely woven, firm but fine tannins, according the wine a great structure; a skeleton upon which fruit, oak and aroma can express themselves fully.

The wine unfolds slowly in the glass, becomes more sinuous and sensuous with air while the gentle astringency of the tannins is very moreish. Bottle age brings welcome tertiary notes of leather and herb, both grip and aroma are long lasting. This is impressive upon release but even more true to itself with advancing age  Anne Krebiehl MW

2010 Castello di Romitorio Brunello di Montalcino

Price: $120.00                   Your Price: $105.60                Quantity in Stock: 5

(94 points) The 2010 Brunello di Montalcino is a gorgeous expression that will appeal to those who adore the softer and spicier side of Sangiovese. Bold cherry and blackberry stand to immediate attention with secondary aromas of tobacco, cedar and cinnamon in quick succession. The wine delivers more in terms of boldness and power than it does complexity but the overall effect works beautifully considering the quality of fruit in 2010. The style is upfront and bold with deep layers of richness and opulence. The wine is appropriate for medium-term consumption and would pair beautifully with stewed meats.                Robert Parker's Wine Advocate

2008 Castello Romitorio Brunello di Montalcino

Price: $115.00                   Your Price: $101.20

2007 Castello Di Romitorio Brunello di Montalcino

Price: $120.00                   Your Price: $105.60

2006 Castello Romitorio Brunello di Montalcino Magnum

Price: $191.25                   Your Price: $168.30

2006 Castello Romitorio Brunello di Montalcino

Price: $126.00                   Your Price: $110.88

2005 Castello Romitorio Brunello di Montalcino

Price: $98.75                     Your Price: $86.90

2004 Castello Romitorio Brunello di Montalcino

Price: $130.00                   Your Price: $114.40

2016 Castello Romitorio Brunello Di Montalcino Riserva

Price: $300.00                   Your Price: $264.00                Quantity in Stock: 6

Pretty bouquet of dried flwoers red berry fruit and a light smoky note with highlights of dried porcini and balck spices.  Lots of volume here on the tongue with a host of wild strawberry and cherry fruit with a firm hand of tannins and acidity holding things together and in perfect balance, echoing the exotic spice and earthy nuance from the nose through the finish, very long and layered.  Finish 50+  Most Excellent +

2007 Castello Romitorio Riserva Brunello di Montalcino

Price: $170.00                   Your Price: $149.60                Quantity in Stock: 31

(93+ Points) ~~The estate’s 2007 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva is striking. Dark plums, cherries, mocha, licorice, cloves and sweet French oak notes blossom in the glass. Rich, voluptuous and beautifully balanced, the 2007 impresses for its layered personality, volume and depth. In 2007, the Riserva is all about harmony. Ideally, the wine is best cellared for another year or two, and it should have no problem aging nicely for at least a handful of years after that. Anticipated maturity: 2015-2022.   ~~eRobertParker.com #207, Jun 2013

2006 Castello Di Romitorio Riserva Brunello Di Montalcino

Price: $155.00                   Your Price: $136.40                Quantity in Stock: 1

(94 Points) ~~A lush style, boasting cherry, plum, tobacco and spice aromas and flavors, all backed by searing acidity and assertive, if refined, tannins. Starts out in a more modern style, finishing with grip and elegance. Best from 2015 through 2032. 700 cases made. –BS  Wine Spectator, Issue: Jul 31, 2012

2019 Castello Romitorio Filo di Seta Brunello di Montalcino

Price: $182.25                   Your Price: $160.38

Filo di Seta Brunello di Montalcino expresses the bold yet elegant character of the wilder and darker essence of the area’s cooler north-westerly microclimate. The vines of Sangiovese sit at an altitude of approximately 350 meters, and are carefully cared for to ensure that each plant produces harmonious, balanced yields that allow the grapes to reach optimal ripeness.

Hand sorting takes place in the winery before and after destemming. Fermentation is in temperature-controlled cement tanks with 20 days of maceration on the skins, and natural malolactic fermentation lasts for about 10 days before the wine is rested to separate the lees. The wine matures in oak for approximately 30 months, and after bottling the wine is aged in Castello Romitorio’s temperature-controlled cellars until release.

A deep and intense bouquet of dark cherry witwh hints fo violet, sage and dark spices along with some forest floor highlights.  Wonderful richness on the palate with ripe round tannins, a firm hand of acidity holding things firmly in place on the finish, very long and complex.  Finish 50+  Most Excellent +

2017 Castello Romitorio Brunello di Montalcino Filo di Seta

Price: $145.00                   Your Price: $127.60                Quantity in Stock: 29

This is one of the oldest plots in the vineyard and has a very distinct character to the bouquet red cherry and wild strawberry fruit with an array of exotic floral and spice notes here black truffle and light smoke on the nose, very complex.  Wow very forward and seductive on the palate as well gorgeous forward red berry fruit ripe round tannins and incredibly approachable, just loaded with earthy and spicy notes on the finish, very long and layered finish but quite drinkable right now.  Finish 50+  Most Excellent

2016 CASTELLO ROMITORIO BRUNELLO DI MONTALCINO FILO DI SETA RISERVA

Price: $599.00                   Your Price: $527.12

Only 3940 bottles of the first bottling of the Riserva Filo di Seta and this wine has a similar nose but has a bit more concentration and depth dark cherry and wild strawberry fruit with an exotic array of spices and dried flowers along with that smoky character, very complex bouquet of aromas.  Wow, an explosion of flavors on the tongue lots of juicy berry fruit with firm tannins and acidity this wine will need a few years in the bottle but has all the right stuff and in proportion, long layered finish.  Finish 55+ KILLER

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