Castello di Ama Chianti Classico Gran Selezione 'La Casuccia' 2022

Originating from Italy in the Tuscany region, specifically within the Chianti Classico Gran Selezione DOCG appellation in Gaiole in Chianti, Castello di Ama Chianti Classico Gran Selezione 'La Casuccia' 2022 represents an historic, opulent, and majestic single-vineyard expression of Tuscan terroir. First produced in 1985 alongside 'L'Apparita', Vigneto La Casuccia is a benchmark cru vineyard spanning 12.58 hectares at approximately 480 metres elevation, featuring nine distinct sub-parcels planted on stony clay-limestone soils. The winemaking philosophy under winemaker Marco Pallanti involves meticulous hand harvesting, co-fermentation of varieties in ambient temperature-controlled vats with native yeasts, and aging in fine French oak barriques (approximately 40% new) for around 15 months. Produced only in exceptional vintages and in strictly limited quantities, 'La Casuccia' delivers a Gran Selezione of profound, fleshy dark fruit depth, velvety texture, and high-altitude refinement.

Wine Description

The wine presents an opaque, deep dark ruby red colour with intense purple-garnet reflections along the rim. An expressive, highly complex bouquet opens with opulent aromas of ripe black cherry, wild blackberry, dark plum, and cassis, interwoven with sophisticated notes of dark chocolate, pipe tobacco, crushed dried violet petals, forest floor, graphite, and sweet French oak spice. On the palate, it is full bodied, fleshy, and velvety, delivering concentrated flavours of dark berry fruit jam, tart cherry curd, and savory mineral earth, all supported by a bright, mouthwatering spine of natural acidity. Framed by rich, fine-grained, rounded tannins and a deep, coat-the-mouth mid-palate structure, it concludes with an extraordinarily long, persistent finish marked by lingering black fruit, cocoa powder, and a refined chalky limestone grip. Composed primarily of Sangiovese blended with a small proportion of Merlot, this 2022 release offers an optimal drinking window of 2028–2050+. Stylistically, it combines Merlot-driven mid-palate richness and sensuality with Gaiole's high-elevation tension, Gran Selezione structure, and long-term aging potential.