Castello di Ama Vigneto La Casuccia Chianti Classico Gran Selezione 2019

Region and Vineyards

The La Casuccia vineyard, part of the Castello di Ama estate, spans 12.58 hectares (31.09 acres), located in Gaiole in Chianti, Tuscany. The vineyard features terraced plots designed to enhance exposure and uniform ripening. Key parcels—49, 46, and 45—contribute the highest-quality fruit for this prestigious wine.

Situated at altitudes of 470 to 495 meters (1,540 to 1,625 feet) with north-east to south-west exposures, the vineyard benefits from excellent sunlight and airflow. Its soils, a mix of clay and limestone, are ideal for Sangiovese, while the addition of Merlot thrives due to the balance of richness and freshness. Sustainable farming practices have been in place since the late 1990s, with certification by Equalitas Italy.

The 2019 growing season began with cold temperatures and significant diurnal shifts. After a wet spring, the summer was warm and dry, ensuring full phenolic ripeness. Harvesting was conducted by hand between September 5 and October 10, parcel by parcel, to achieve optimal maturity.

Winemaking

La Casuccia 2019 is composed of 80% Sangiovese and 20% Merlot, reflecting the estate’s dedication to tradition and innovation. Fermentation occurred separately for each variety in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks using indigenous yeasts, with temperatures between 30–33°C (86–91°F).

The Sangiovese underwent a 27-day maceration, while Merlot fermented for 25 days, with regular manual pump-overs. Malolactic fermentation occurred in French oak barriques, followed by 14 months of aging in 40% new fine-grained oak and 60% one-year-old barrels. This meticulous process preserves the wine’s elegance while enhancing its complexity and aging potential.

Tasting Notes

• Color: Intense ruby red with vibrant purple highlights.
• Aroma: A symphony of black cherry, ripe plum, and subtle floral tones, complemented by hints of tobacco, cedar, and a touch of blood orange.
• Palate: Full-bodied and layered, with flavors of dark fruit, licorice, and earthy minerality. The tannins are firm yet silky, leading to a long, harmonious finish with notes of spice and a hint of mint.

Did You Know?

The La Casuccia vineyard was replanted in stages, starting in 1978, with the most recent updates in 2007. Its terraced design ensures that each row of vines receives equal sunlight, creating uniform ripeness and exceptional quality across all parcels.

Wine Pairing Ideas

• Tagliata di Manzo: The wine’s structure and depth complement the richness and tenderness of sliced steak with arugula and Parmesan.
• Pappardelle al Cinghiale: Its earthy notes and vibrant acidity balance the gamey flavors of wild boar ragu.
• Risotto al Tartufo Nero: The wine’s complex aromatics harmonize beautifully with the earthiness of black truffle risotto.
• Aged Pecorino Toscano: Its firm tannins and dark fruit flavors pair perfectly with 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.