

Castello di Ama
Castello di Ama sits 12 miles northeast of Siena in the hills of Gaiole. This is the heart of Chianti Classico, a bucolic rolling landscape of woods, vineyards and olive groves. The property is owned and operated by the team of Lorenza Sebasti and Marco Pallanti. Over the last quarter century they have replanted all of the vineyards and upgraded all of the winemaking capabilities to make this one of Tuscany’s showcase producers.
Reviews
The Castello di Ama 2017 Haiku (a blend of Sangiovese with Cabernet Franc and Merlot in supporting roles) shows a rich and powerful center of gravity, all framed by lovely freshness and lots of rich fruit fiber. It sticks firmly to the palate with big fruit intensity, plum, blackberry, spice and cured tobacco. Haiku is a very unique wine within the context of Tuscany, and I’m not just referring to the unusual blend of grapes used here. This vintage offers darkness and a level of power that we don’t usually associate with Tuscany. Yet, good context is given because the Sangiovese grape adds an authentic Tuscan touch and gives the wine a sense of place. A mere 6,000 bottles were made. 2021-2035
Blackberry and walnut aromas with hints of dried chocolate powder. Blackcurrants, too. Medium-to full-bodied with fine, creamy tannins and a long, pretty finish. So delicious and beautiful now. Sangiovese with some merlot and cabernet franc. Drink and enjoy.
The 2017 Haiku is a blend of Sangiovese, Merlot and Cabernet Franc. Succulent dark cherry, plum, mocha, spice, new leather and licorice all flesh out in a racy, forward Tuscan red that can be enjoyed with minimal cellaring. Time in bottle should bring out more aromatic nuance and overall complexity. 2021 – 2030
A lush mouthful of black currant and blackberry fruit is augmented by violet, rosemary and baking spices in this red, which is open and approachable, despite the dense, fine-grained tannins. Finishes long and fresh. Sangiovese, Cabernet Franc and Merlot. Drink now through 2032.