Castello di Ama
Vigneto Bellavista Chianti Classico Gran Selezione – 2016
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
| Wine | Blend | Vine Age | Soil Type | Vineyard Area ha or acres |
| Vigneto Bellavista Chianti Classico Gran Selezione | Sangiovese (80%), Malvasia Nera (20%) | Planted 1974-1978, 2007 | Clay and calcreous | 56.39 acres/22.82 ha |
The Wine
Vineyard Profile
The Bellavista vineyard covers an area of 56.39 acres/22.82 hectares, with 23 acres replanted from 1974 to 1978, and 33.4 acres replanted in 2007. The plot of 22 parcels of land were terraced to improve exposure and ensure more uniform ripening. In the best vintages, parcels 1 to 19 of Malvasia Nera, and 21 and 22 of Sangiovese contribute most to the production of this vineyard selection.
- Exposure: North-East/South-West
- Soil: Clay and calcareous
- Altitude: 1510-1720 feet/460–525 meters
- Training system: vertical trellis, single Guyot
- CLONE SELECTION: Sangiovese CC2000 1, CC2000 2, CC2000 4, CC2000 5, Malvasia Nera MN6 Portainnesto 420
- Planting density: 5,200 plants/Ha; 2,800 plants/Ha for old plantings
- First vintage: 1978
Harvest Notes
Winter was mild and rainy. In April, temperatures raised rapidly, while May and June were very unstable. Summer arrived in July and there were great temperature excursions between night and day, which helped to develop aromas and flavors in the wine. Although we had hail at the end of August, grapes were very healthy.
- Malvasia Nera harvest: 9/27/19
- Sangiovese harvest: 9/30/19
- Each variety vinified with ambient yeasts in steel tanks at controlled temperature 86-91°F
- Manual pumpovers for 22 days for Sangiovese and 26 days for Malvasia Nera total cuvaison
- Wines separately transferred to barriques for malolactic fermentation, then blended
- Aging: 18% new thin-grain oak barriques, remainder used, for 10 months
Winemaker's Notes
Pure ruby-red color. An extremely elegant nose, with spice notes nuanced with coffee notes. Ripened red fruits on the palate – succulent, intriguing and long lasting. Tannins are ripe, armonic and delicate.
Wine Summary
80% Sangiovese, 20% Malvasia Nera; Alcohol: 13.5%; Vines planted 1974-1978 and 2007; soils clay and calcareous; fermented separately using only indigenous yeasts in stainless steel tanks at 86-91°F; blended and aged in 18% new barriques for 10 months.
Technical Information
- Blend: 80% Sangiovese, 20% Malvasia Nera
- Alcohol: 13.5%
- Total Acidity: 5.1 g/L
- Residual Sugar: ≤ 0.5 g/L
- Extract: 32.1 g/L
Reviews
98 Points
The 2016 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Vigneto Bellavista sees fruit sourced from one of Castello di Ama’s most beautiful vineyards with a wide exposures and plenty of sunshine. This wine shows profound complexity and a far-reaching bouquet that evolves slowly in the glass. Of these three single-vineyard Gran Selezione wines (Bellavista, La Casuccia and San Lorenzo), the Vigneto Bellavista is the most complete, but it is also the most linear and streamlined in terms of mouthfeel. I would bet on putting this wine aside in your cellar for a longer aging time. 2022 – 2042
© Wine Advocate, September, 2019
98 Points
Ama’s 2016 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Vigneto Bellavista is a flat out stunner. Dark and brooding in its first impression, the 2016 races out of the glass with explosive vertical lift. This structured, potent Chianti Classico won’t be ready to drink anytime soon, but it is immensely promising. Savory herbs, crushed rocks, chalk and dried flowers add myriad layers of dimension. The 2016 is complex, nuanced and built for cellaring. 2026 – 2041
Vinous - Antonio Galloni, August, 2019
96 Points
Aromas of black-skinned fruit, dark spice and sunbaked soil mingle with whiffs of camphor and forest floor on this enticing blend of 80% Sangiovese and 20% Malvasia Nera. The elegant, structured palate delivers black plum, ripe black cherry, star anise and crushed mint while firm, polished tannins provide support and finesse. It’s well balanced, with bright acidity, while an earthy hint of game gives the finish depth. Drink 2023–2036.
Wine Enthusiast, April, 2020
96 Points
This is a contrast in elegance and power. The black cherry and black currant fruit is encased in a sheen of oak. Burly tannins and vivid acidity enhance the structure. Awkward today, this displays incredible elegance, with a laser of vivid acidity driving the exceptional length. Sangiovese and Malvasia Nera. Best from 2023 through 2043
Wine Spectator, May, 2020
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 |