Castello di Ama L'Apparita 2019

Region and Vineyards

The L’Apparita vineyard, located within the Castello di Ama estate in Gaiole in Chianti, Tuscany, sits at an elevation of 490 meters (1,608 feet) above sea level. This high-altitude vineyard is known for its calcareous clay soils, ideal for cultivating Merlot.

Originally planted in 1975 with Canaiolo and Malvasia Bianca, the vineyard was replanted in 1982 with Merlot using clone 342, one of the finest clones for producing high-quality Merlot. The vineyard employs an open lyre training system, enhancing sun exposure and airflow, which contribute to the grapes' ripeness and complexity.

Winemaking

L’Apparita 2019 is crafted entirely from 100% Merlot, harvested manually from September 5th to October 10th, ensuring only the ripest and most balanced fruit. Fermentation is carried out using indigenous yeasts in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks, with fermentation temperatures ranging from 30–33°C (86–91°F).

The wine undergoes 28 days of maceration with manual pump-overs, followed by malolactic fermentation in stainless steel tanks. Aging takes place over 14 months in 50% new French oak barrels, with the balance in two-year-old barrels. This approach enhances the wine’s complexity without overpowering its vibrant fruit profile.

Tasting Notes

• Color: Deep purple-red with violet highlights, impenetrable in its richness.
• Aroma: A refined bouquet of blackberry, red cherry, and lavender, layered with hints of mint, sage, clove, and fresh leather.
• Palate: Rich and elegant, with layers of black fruit, juicy acidity, and silky, gentle tannins. The finish is long and nuanced, revealing lingering notes of dark chocolate and mineral undertones.

Did You Know?

L’Apparita was the first pure Merlot produced in Tuscany, setting a benchmark for single-varietal Merlot wines in Italy. The vineyard’s unique combination of altitude, calcareous clay soils, and open lyre training system ensures exceptional ripeness and balance, making it one of the most sought-after wines for collectors.

Wine Pairing Ideas

• Beef Wellington: The wine’s refined structure and rich flavors complement the dish’s savory and flaky complexity.
• Wild mushroom risotto: The earthiness of the mushrooms harmonizes with the wine’s dark fruit and herbal notes.
• Duck breast with cherry reduction: Its vibrant acidity and dark fruit mirror the tartness and richness of the dish.
• Aged Pecorino Toscano: The wine’s elegance and minerality balance the cheese’s nutty and salty profile.

History of Castello di Ama

Founded in 1976, Castello di Ama is the vision of four families who sought to restore a historic estate to its former glory. Today, the estate is led by Lorenza Sebasti, daughter of one of the founding partners, serving as CEO, alongside Marco Pallanti, who has been the estate's oenologist since 1982 and has also served as President of the Chianti Classico Consortium.

Under their leadership, Castello di Ama has become synonymous with innovation and excellence. In the 1980s, the estate played a pivotal role in consolidating the concept of "cru" in Chianti Classico, producing selections such as Vigneto Bellavista (first vintage in 1978) and Vigneto La Casuccia (first vintage in 1985). Their commitment to quality and terroir expression has placed Castello di Ama among the leading wineries in Italy.

Region and Vineyards

The vineyards of Castello di Ama are situated at altitudes ranging between 420 and 527 meters (1,378 to 1,729 feet) above sea level, encompassing approximately 75 hectares (185 acres) around the village of Ama. These vineyards are distributed across four valleys, traditionally known as Bellavista, San Lorenzo, La Casuccia, and Montebuoni, each contributing unique characteristics to the wines.

• Bellavista Vineyard: Covering 22.5 hectares, this south/southwest-facing vineyard lies between 427 and 515 meters in elevation. The soil is predominantly pebbly clay and limestone, ideal for Sangiovese and Malvasia Nera. Since 1978, it has produced the esteemed Vigneto Bellavista cru.

• San Lorenzo Vineyard: Spanning 16.5 hectares at altitudes between 466 and 525 meters, this east/southeast-facing vineyard is named after a 15th-century chapel in Ama. Acquired in 1972, it serves as the primary source for the Gran Selezione San Lorenzo.

• La Casuccia Vineyard: Extending over 16.1 hectares at elevations ranging from 483 to 527 meters, this vineyard is notable for its terraced layout with north/south-oriented rows. The clay-rich soil with abundant stones contributes to the complexity of the Vigneto La Casuccia cru, first produced in 1985.

• Montebuoni Vineyard: Acquired in 1997, this 14.7-hectare vineyard faces south/southwest and sits between 420 and 508 meters in altitude. The soil varies from clay-rich at lower elevations to limestone and stony at higher points, enhancing the diversity of the estate's wine portfolio.

The combination of high elevation, limestone-clay soils, and meticulous vineyard management practices, including high-density planting and sustainable farming, enables Castello di Ama to produce wines of exceptional character and longevity.

Wine Range of Castello di Ama

Castello di Ama produces a variety of wines that highlight the terroir and the nuances of each vintage:

• Chianti Classico Gran Selezione: Wines like San Lorenzo, Vigneto Bellavista, and Vigneto La Casuccia set benchmarks for excellence with their structured and elegant profiles.

• L’Apparita: A 100% Merlot wine, recognized as one of Tuscany’s finest mono-varietal wines, first produced in 1985.

• Ama Chianti Classico: A younger expression of the estate, crafted from the estate’s younger vines, offering freshness and approachability.

Did You Know?

Castello di Ama’s dedication to art and culture is exemplified by its contemporary art installations throughout the estate. These works, commissioned from internationally renowned artists, provide a modern counterpoint to the estate’s historic architecture and timeless wines.