Castello di Ama Vigneto Bellavista Chianti Classico Gran Selezione 2019

Region and Vineyards

The Bellavista vineyard lies within the Castello di Ama estate in Gaiole in Chianti, Tuscany. Spanning 22.82 hectares (56.39 acres), the vineyard has been meticulously managed to enhance the quality of its fruit. Terraced plots ensure optimal exposure and uniform ripening, with a focus on parcels 1 to 19 (Malvasia Nera) and parcels 21 and 22 (Sangiovese).

At an altitude of 460 to 525 meters (1,510 to 1,720 feet), the vineyard benefits from north-east to south-west exposures and clay-limestone soils, ideal for cultivating both Sangiovese and Malvasia Nera. The vines are sustainably farmed, with Castello di Ama certified by Equalitas Italy for its environmental stewardship. The 2019 growing season began with a cold winter and significant diurnal shifts, followed by a wet spring and a warm, dry summer, resulting in a vintage of outstanding balance and concentration.

Winemaking

The Bellavista 2019 is an 80% Sangiovese and 20% Malvasia Nera blend, carefully crafted to express the unique terroir of the vineyard. Hand-harvested between September 5 and October 10, each variety was fermented separately in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks using indigenous yeasts.

Sangiovese underwent a 22-day maceration, while Malvasia Nera fermented for 26 days. The wines were then transferred to French oak barriques for malolactic fermentation, followed by 14 months of aging, with 40% of the barrels being new and the remainder one year old. This meticulous approach enhances the wine’s complexity and aging potential without overpowering its vibrant fruit.

Tasting Notes

• Color: Deep ruby red with garnet highlights.
• Aroma: A complex bouquet of dark berries, pomegranate, and hints of tobacco, enhanced by subtle floral and mineral notes.
• Palate: Rich and juicy, with a silky texture and layers of dark fruit, licorice, and fine minerality. The tannins are firm yet refined, leading to a long and elegant finish.

Did You Know?

The Bellavista vineyard is only used for this wine in the finest vintages, with annual production limited to 5,000 to 6,000 bottles. The terraced layout, combined with precise vineyard management, ensures consistently exceptional quality.

Wine Pairing Ideas

• Bistecca alla Fiorentina: The wine’s robust structure complements the richness of this Tuscan classic.
• Pappardelle with wild boar ragu: Its dark fruit and earthy notes balance the gamey flavors.
• Porcini mushroom risotto: The wine’s minerality and complexity enhance the umami richness of the mushrooms.
• Aged Pecorino Toscano: A perfect match, with the wine’s tannins balancing 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.