Tenuta Casteani
Owner, wine maker, oenologist and certified sommelier Mario Pelosi moved from Rome to Maremma, the southern part of Tuscany 25 years ago. He started farming indigenous grapes (mainly Vermentino and Sangiovese and some Syrah, farmed since the Etruscan domination in southern Tuscany) and started seven years ago the conversion to organic farming.
His line called Spirito Libero (“Free Spirit”) white and red, is made respectively with Vermentino and Sangiovese in purity with zero added sulphites. On their labels, the numbers, -which change for every vintage, -boldly indicate the free and total mg per liter of naturally occurring sulphur dioxide.
His production of supertuscans includes Sessanta (Sangiovese and Alicante) and Terra (Sangiovese and Merlot).
Casteani farms all grapes organically and the Spirito Libero line is certified by Suolo e Salute, Authorization numbers 2751/2020 and 3008/2019.
The Wines
Rusada Maremma Toscana DOC 2021
Rusada is a fresh and crisp Sangiovese-based rosé, with notes of violets, garrigue (lavender, thyme, cistus, juniper, etc.), bay leaves and acacia on the nose, accompanied by a hint of wet white stones. On the palate it is very enjoyable and easy, persistant and pleasant, dry, fruity and fresh.
Serín Maremma Toscana DOC 2021
A fresh Vermentino from the hills immediately inland from the Tyrrhenian sea coast in Tuscany. A fresh note of white flowers, green apple and iodine on the nose. On the palate it is fresh and simple, smoother than expected from a Tuscan Vermentino.
Spirito Libero Vermentino Toscana IGT 2019
A very drinkable white wine from organic Vermentino grapes – crisp and fruity. A very good expression of Vermentino, with the added value of no added sulfites. A moderately long maceration defines its personality.
Spirito Libero Sangiovese Toscana IGT 2021
A ruby Sangiovese with no added sulfites, Spirito Libero is complex on the nose, floral and fruity, with ripe morello cherries, potpourri, a hint of flint and herbaceous notes. On the palate it is crisp, moderately tannic and balanced.
Sessanta Maremma Toscana DOC 2016
Sessanta is a very balanced, modern-styled Tuscan red wine. The nose is complex: red flowers and berries, paprika and herbaceous notes of artichokes, iron and leather, wet stones and balsamic scent of eucalyptus. It is crisp and smooth, thanks to the touch given by the Alicante grape, with elegant and well-integrated tannins.
Terra Maremma Toscana DOC 2014
This Supertuscan from Tenuta Casteani takes the nervous personality of Sangiovese and moderates it with the roundness of Merlot. On the nose, plums and dark berries jam, geranium, a balsamic note of bay leaves and pine trees, vanilla, and a peppery note.