Castellare is a Chianti winery of primary importance, technically modern, but traditional in the style of the wines, based on native vine varieties. Castellare di Castellina wines come from vineyards located in the upper part of the municipality (Castellina in Chianti), where the soil is calcareous and rich in marl and stones, and are set in a basin facing south and south-east.
Environmental conditions allow for producing rich and refined wines. To found the Castellare di Castellina estate, Paolo Panerai - a successful publisher and wine lover - brought together some historic farms and asked for the collaboration of authoritative experts such as Professor Scienza from the University of Milan, oenologist Giacomo Tachis and Professor Émile Peynaud from the University of Bordeaux. He began his business in the 1970s with the aim of making high-quality wines, enhancing traditional Tuscan grape varieties, such as Sangiovese and Malvasia nera, with the use of modern skills and techniques.
Although not having certifications, the estate is run organically, avoiding chemical synthesis substances in the vineyard. For over 40 years it has been producing wines appreciated worldwide for a rigorous style, with an "easy and persuasive drink, which fascinates at the first sip" as recalled by Daniele Cernilli's Essential Guide to Italian Wines 2021.
The success of Castellare di Castellina led the owner to invest in other wineries as well, such as Rocca di Frassinello in the province of Grosseto (Tuscany) and with two wineries in Sicily: Feudi del Pisciotto and Gurra di Mare.