Red Wine Castello di Ama Chianti Classico Ama 2019. Known as one of Chianti’s premier producers, Castello di Ama shot to fame during the 1980s thanks to their groundbreaking L’Apparita wine composed of 100% Merlot. This extremely ageworthy wine helped establish Italy’s reputation for producing world-class Merlot, with the 1987 L’Apparita actually beating Pétrus 1988 and Le Pin during a blind tasting at the Académie du Vin in Switzerland. The Castello di Ama estate is set in the heart of Chianti Classico close to the town of Gaiole and boasts some 90 hectares of vines planted on some of the region’s finest terroir. Today the estate is also known for their excellent traditional-style Chianti wines like the Ama which is crafted almost entirely from estate-grown Sangiovese grapes. To ensure the fruit arrives at the winery in excellent condition it is harvested by hand and carefully sorted. Vinification takes place in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks followed by maturation in second-use oak barrels. The essence of this wine is youth and vivacity, so the wine is bottled and released without delay to ensure the bright fruit character and energetic freshness do not fade. Juicy red berry flavours, a medium body and plenty of smooth tannins make this a great match for charcuterie, tomato-based pasta dishes or even a spicy pepperoni pizza shared with family and friends.
2019
Red Wine Castello di Ama Chianti Classico Ama 2019
Red Wine Castello di Volpaia Chianti Classico 2019. The elegant label of this Chianti Classico features the historic Commenda di Sant’Eufrosino, which was built within the city walls of Volpaia in 1443. Deconsecrated in 1932, today the old church is home to one of Castello di Volpaia’s barrel-ageing cellars where the producer’s stunning Chianti Classico wines are left to mature. Castello di Volpaia has a special reputation in Chianti for being the region’s highest altitude winery with some 114 acres of vineyards growing at 400 to 640 metres above sea level. This helps to produce perfectly-balanced fruit thanks to the sunny and warm summer days followed by cooler nights. All of Castello di Volpaia’s vineyards are also farmed organically to produce the best quality fruit possible. The grapes for this Chianti Classico are grown on light sandstone and clay soils which emphasises the natural freshness and elegance of the Sangiovese. Bright red cherry, plums and hints of dried herbs dominate on the nose, while the palate has gentle hints of spice from the 12 months of barrel ageing, fine tannins, and a well-developed structure. A great wine to pair with classic Italian charcuterie, game dishes, or a hearty homemade lasagna.
2019
Red Wine Castello di Volpaia Prelius Cabernet Sauvignon 2019. The walled village of Volpaia was originally built in the 11th century, although wine has been produced here for far longer than that. The village’s winery, Castello di Volpaia, has enjoyed a renaissance in recent years since it was given to Carlo and Giovannella Mascheroni as a wedding gift by Giovannella’s visionary father, Raffaello Stianti. Today the property has some 114 acres of vines which are farmed organically and a winery that has been completely modernised without disturbing the external structure of this ancient village. This youthful, easy-drinking Cabernet begins life growing on the flat bed of an ancient lake, Prelius, where the local Etruscans and Romans once used to breed fish and make salt. The vines are planted on sandy clay soils with plenty of sunshine and cooling breezes from the nearby sea in the summer months that helps them reach optimum ripeness. Bold and well-rounded on the palate, this handsome red is bursting with notes of cassis, ripe blackberries, and crushed wild berries. On the palate there’s a medium body, smooth tannins, and luscious dark fruit flavours which linger on the tongue. A great partner for Italian charcuterie, fresh pasta served with a tomato-based sauce, or pizzas.
2019