Castello di Bossi 2018 Corbaia Toscana IGT – Tuscany, Italy
The Castello di Bossi 2018 Corbaia Toscana IGT is a powerful yet refined Super Tuscan from the heart of Chianti Classico, combining the unmistakable Tuscan character of Sangiovese with the depth and structure of Cabernet Sauvignon.
Produced from 70% Sangiovese and 30% Cabernet Sauvignon, the 2018 Corbaia brings together two very different varieties with remarkable harmony: Sangiovese contributes vibrant cherry fruit, freshness, acidity and Tuscan character, while Cabernet Sauvignon provides cassis, darker fruit, structure and richness.
The result is a serious, age-worthy Tuscan red that sits comfortably alongside many of the celebrated Sangiovese-and-Cabernet blends that helped define the modern Super Tuscan category.
And there is history behind it. Corbaia is one of Castello di Bossi's signature wines, with its first vintage produced in 1985.
2018: The Beginning of an Organic Chapter
The 2018 vintage represents an important point in the history of Corbaia.
According to reporting on the estate, 2018 was the first Corbaia vintage produced from organically farmed grapes. That is also confirmed directly by the back label of this bottle, which states “Made with organic grapes.”
The wine is also unfiltered, preserving its natural character and texture; as the bottle notes, any sediment that develops should be considered a normal part of the wine's maturation.
Vineyard & Terroir
Corbaia comes from the Castello di Bossi estate at Castelnuovo Berardenga, in the southeastern reaches of Chianti Classico near Siena.
The Corbaia vineyard sits at approximately 1,155 feet in elevation with a southwestern exposure and calcareous clay-loam soils. The combination of elevation, exposure and Tuscan sunshine allows the fruit to achieve full ripeness while retaining the acidity and structure so important to Sangiovese.
Castello di Bossi was also an early adopter of international varieties in this part of Tuscany, with Cabernet Sauvignon becoming an important complement to the estate's native Sangiovese.
Winemaking & Aging
The 2018 Corbaia is fermented in stainless-steel tanks, with approximately 25–30 days of skin maceration using traditional racking and pumpovers.
After malolactic fermentation, the wine is matured for 24 months in 225-liter French oak barriques, followed by approximately six months of bottle aging before release.
This extended maturation gives Cabernet Sauvignon the time it needs to integrate with Sangiovese while adding layers of spice and complexity without obscuring the wine's Tuscan identity.
Tasting Notes
The 2018 Corbaia displays a deep ruby-red color with garnet reflections.
The bouquet is rich and layered, opening with ripe black cherry, cassis, blackberry and dark plum, followed by tobacco, espresso, cedar, vanilla and sweet spice. With air, more savory Tuscan notes emerge—dried herbs, earth and subtle balsamic nuances.
On the palate, Corbaia is full-bodied, concentrated and beautifully structured. Ripe black cherry and dark berry fruit are balanced by Sangiovese's lively acidity, while Cabernet Sauvignon contributes depth, polished tannins and a firm backbone.
Notes of black currant, tobacco, mocha, vanilla and spice carry through a long, persistent finish.
It is a compelling combination of Sangiovese's energy and elegance with Cabernet Sauvignon's richness and structure—distinctly Tuscan, but with the depth expected from a serious Super Tuscan.
Castello di Bossi: Centuries of Tuscan History
Castello di Bossi occupies a historic estate in the countryside of Castelnuovo Berardenga, one of the most important areas of Chianti Classico.
The site's history stretches back centuries, with the estate's medieval tower dating to around the end of the 11th century. The property eventually passed through several prominent Tuscan families before being acquired by Marco Bacci in 1984.
Wine became much more than a passion for Bacci. Castello di Bossi became the foundation for what would eventually develop into the broader Bacci Wines portfolio of Tuscan estates.
Significantly, Corbaia's first vintage followed in 1985, making it one of the wines most closely connected to the beginning of the modern Castello di Bossi story.
Today, the estate combines its historical identity with organic viticulture and a modern approach to producing wines that retain a strong connection to Tuscany.
Food Pairing
Corbaia's combination of ripe fruit, acidity and tannic structure makes it an outstanding wine for the table.
Pair it with Bistecca alla Fiorentina, grilled ribeye, roasted lamb, wild boar ragù, braised beef short ribs, osso buco, pappardelle with meat ragù or aged Pecorino Toscano.
Winebow also specifically recommends grilled lamb chops and grilled ribeye, both natural matches for the richness and structure of Corbaia.
Serve at approximately 60–64°F (16–18°C). I would recommend decanting the 2018 for 30–60 minutes before serving to allow the fruit and secondary aromas to fully emerge.
Wine Details
Producer: Castello di Bossi
Wine: Corbaia
Vintage: 2018
Country: Italy
Region: Tuscany
Appellation: Toscana IGT
Style: Super Tuscan Red Blend
Grapes: 70% Sangiovese, 30% Cabernet Sauvignon
Farming: Made with organically grown grapes
Fermentation: Stainless steel
Maceration: 25–30 days
Aging: 24 months in French oak barriques
Bottle Aging: Approximately 6 months
Filtered: No – unfiltered
Alcohol: 14.5%
Bottle Size: 750ml
First Vintage of Corbaia: 1985
