Castello di Ama, a noteworthy establishment in Chianti Classico, was founded in 1976 by four Roman families. Over the years, it has gained prestige, particularly under the guidance of Marco Pallanti, who joined in 1982 to oversee viticulture and winemaking. Nestled at an altitude of 500 meters, the estate’s unique location contributes to the wine’s elegance and complexity. Pallanti emphasizes that Sangiovese grapes thrive at higher elevations, allowing for less powerful yet more refined wines.
The terroir boasts rich clay and limestone soils, which Pallanti believes enhances the originality of their wines, setting them apart from competitors. The winery encompasses 75 hectares of vines spread across five valleys, and it was a pioneer in selecting single vineyards for wine production, starting with the Bellavista vineyard in 1978.
Marco’s journey in winemaking began with a solid foundation in viticulture, yet his expertise was further enriched by a study stint in Bordeaux, a move decided by the estate’s owners. Upon arrival, he revamped planting practices and introduced new varietals like Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, and Pinot Gris to complement Sangiovese, ultimately settling on Merlot as a blending partner.
The winery is committed to rigorous practices, with all vines hand-harvested and grapes meticulously sorted. Reds undergo high-temperature fermentation while maturing in barriques, a technique they have employed since 1994.
Art holds significant value at Castello di Ama; since 1982, each year has brought a new contemporary artist to create site-specific installations, resonating with the winery’s ambiance. One standout piece is Hiroshi Sugimoto’s "Confession of Zero," which aesthetically interprets the concept of zero.
Pallanti regards time as an essential element in wine, maintaining a vast inventory of back vintages, ensuring that each bottle reflects the optimal aging process.
The Wines
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Castello di Ama Montebuono Chianti Classico Riserva 2019: A distinctive blend displaying vibrant cherry and plum fruits complemented by dry tannins and good acidity, finishing with notes of orange peel. Rated 93/100.
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Castello di Ama San Lorenzo Chianti Classico Gran Selezione 2019: Marked by concentration and freshness, this wine combines oak influence with a vivid cherry and berry character. Rated 94/100.
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Castello di Ama San Lorenzo Chianti Classico Gran Selezione 2018: With a sweet core of fruit balanced by fine spiciness and structure, this wine showcases a ripe yet fresh profile. Rated 94/100.
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Castello di Ama San Lorenzo Chianti Classico Gran Selezione 2015: Exhibiting a brooding nose of minerals and spices with sweet black fruit, this vintage delivers freshness and focus. Rated 93/100.
For further exploration of Castello di Ama, you can visit their website.