Il Casato 2004

Chianti fans and indeed anyone who has holidayed in Tuscany and enjoyed the supple charms of the local reds, will want to indulge in a case of Il Casato. It's a gorgeous, fruit-driven red - and fabulous value - designed to go with home cooked Italian pasta dishes such as spaghetti Bolognese, lasagna and cannelloni. Happily, it's so rounded and smooth, you can start to drink it while your still in the kitchen!

Il Casato comes from the Baroncini family who proudly trace their origins in Tuscany back to the 15th century. They first produced wine in 1489 and the founder's daughter Apollonia soon married a member of the Medici family, the ultimate social achievement!

The winery is now run by Stefano Baroncini and his sister Bruna. They are based in the beautiful Tuscan town of San Gimignano, famous for its many medieval 'skyscrapers'. The winemaker, Leonardo Chesi, trained in Siena and has made this wine in the style of an approachable, early-drinking Chianti. Rich red fruit and tangy cherry flavours are layered with warming vanilla. Really lovely stuff!