Castello di Ama
Vigneto La Casuccia Chianti Classico – 2007
Region: ITALY - TUSCANY
Castello di Ama
Castello di Ama was founded in 1976, and is located in Gaiole in Chianti, within the additional geographical unit of the same name (UGA), located in the heart of Tuscany. It is located about 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 estate is currently helmed by CEO Lorenza Sebasti, a member of the second generation of one of the four founding families. Marco Pallanti, who was once the President of the Chianti Classico Consorzio, has been the winemaker and technical director at Castello di Ama since 1982.
The goal of the estate is to have each bottle of Castello di Ama express the uniqueness of the terroir, and be an authentic expression of the vintage. Ama has practiced sustainable viticulture since the end of the 1990s, and recently received Equalitas (Italy) certification.
Grapes / Soils
The Wine
Vineyard Profile
- La Casuccia vineyard, which covers an area of 12.58 hectares (31.07 acres), was planted in 1978 and again in 2007.
- The altitudes range from 480 to 526 meters (1,575-1,726 ft.).
- The terrain is relatively uniform throughout the zone with soils consisting primarily of clay/calcareous matter.
- The vines are trained in the vertical espalier system with pruning in the simple Guyot format on 6.79 hectares and open lyre on 5.79 hectares.
- The vineyard is divided into 17 parcels planted mostly in traditional varieties specified in the production code. Two of the parcels are planted in Merlot.
- This wine is not produced every year, but only in exceptional vintages and in limited quantities.
- The first vintage was 1985.
Harvest Notes
- The harvest was on September 18 for Merlot and September 26 for Sangiovese.
- Fermentation occurred regularly at temperatures between 30 and 33°C. (86-91°F.).
- The wine was constantly pumped over the cap throughout fermentation and maceration, which lasted 26 days, somewhat less than the average period.
- The processes assured extraction of polyphenols of excellent quality that were powerful yet elegant.
- The wine was drained off and malolactic fermentation was induced with the use of a large percentage of barriques.
- After malolactic fermentation and assemblage on December 15, all the wine was placed in barrels of Allier oak, 40% of them new.
- The wine was bottled on June 5th, 2009.
Wine Summary
- Made from Sangiovese (80%), Malvasia Nera and Merlot grapes.
- Vine age – planted 1978 and 2000.
- Grown on soils of calcareous clay.
- Fermented in stainless steel at 30-33°C and barriques.
- Aged in Allier oak, 40% new and the remainder once-used for 16 months.
Technical Information
- Total acidity: 5.50
- Volatile acidity: 0.48
- pH: 3.44
- Alcohol: 13.88
- Total dry extract: 32.20
- U.V.280: 72.00
Reviews
96 Points
The estate’s 2007 Chianti Classico Vigneto La Casuccia is deep, dark and sensual with a warm core of fruit that radiates from its poised frame. This shows superb density, richness and finesse from start to finish, with exceptional depth and fabulous overall balance. It is without question a wine for the future, but the richness of the fruit and the extraordinary silkiness of the tannins bode for an immensely rewarding life ahead. Sweet floral notes add freshness and lift to the finish. What a wine! 2017 – 2032
Vinous - Antonio Galloni, October, 2010
95 Points
This red is concentrated, displaying brambly cherry, raspberry and spice flavors. Sweet at its core, this is just tight now, ending with firm tannins. Really blossoms after an hour, turning silkier and lingering beautifully on the aftertaste. Best from 2014 through 2025.
Wine Spectator, August, 2011
96 Points
The estate’s 2007 Chianti Classico Vigneto La Casuccia is deep, dark and sensual with a warm core of fruit that radiates from its poised frame.Richness and finesse from start to finish, with exceptional depth and fabulous overall balance. It is without question a wine for the future, but the richness of the fruit and the extraordinary silkiness of the tannins bode for an immensely rewarding life.
© Wine Advocate, October, 2010
96 Points
A classy red, with beautiful floral, plum and chocolate character on the nose and palate. Full and very velvety. The finish lasts for minutes. Love this wine. Drink now or hold for many years to come. The model for Chianti Classico.
jamessuckling.com, August, 2011
General Info
| Country | Italy |
| Region | Tuscany |
| Appellation(s) | Chianti Classico |
| Proprietor/CEO | Lorenza Sebasti |
| Founded | 1974 |
| Winemaker | Marco Pallanti |
| Annual Production | 25,000 9L cases |
| Farming (Sustainable, organic, biodynamic) | Sustainable certified by Equalitas Italy |