Tasting notes:

Established as an estate in medieval times by Ludovico Acciaiuoli, a 'distinguished citizendoctor and Florentine lawyer' at the end of the 15th century, the village of today's Castello diAlbola is high in the rolling hills of Chianti, in the commune of Radda-in-Chianti, whereabout 110ha of vines are grown at altitudes of 350-650m, surrounded by oak forest and olivetrees, a truly bio-diverse estate. Radda is known for being 'an iron hand in a silk glove' andCastello di Albola is a superb example. Quite deep garnet-coloured, the wine has dried cherryand cranberry fruit, a herbal edge, and an overlay of toast and sweet spice. Mid-weight, thepalate has racy acidity and quite dry tannins giving structure. Hints of violets and cream addcomplexity on the palate. Beautifully integrated, the wine will taste well with herb-crustedleg of lamb. [Patricia Stefanowicz MW]