Casa Emma is one of the bright lights of the Chianti Classico appellation. The estate covers 25 hectares of vineyard that is now farmed organically and in an interesting nod to sustainability, the vines are also tended by four flocks of geese that work their way up and down the rows, eating cover crops and keeping things tidy. With soil compaction an issue in this part of Castellina in Chianti, the light of foot birds help reduce the impact of machinery.
In total Casa Emma producer around 95,000 bottles a year and export all over the world. Their brand is well known and acknowledged as one of the leading producers of premium Chianti Classico.
The wines are excellent. Four different expressions of Sangiovese farmed and vinified in different ways. The basic, or entry level Chianti Classico, which represents the majority of the estate’s output is made from 90% Sangiovese, 5% Canaiolo and 5% Malvasia Nera. Casa Emma actually boast some of the oldest Malvasia Nera vines in the region. The single vineyard ‘Vignalparco’ is 100% Sangiovese and depicts the estate’s best most prized parcel. The Riserva is richer and more concentrated in preparation for its extended stay in wood, while the Gran Selezione is one of the most elegant and silky interpretations of Sangiovese I’ve tasted for some time.