Castello di Ama 'Vigneto Bellavista' 2022 - 1.5 Litre

Originating from Italy in the Tuscany region, specifically within the Chianti Classico Gran Selezione DOCG appellation in Gaiole in Chianti, Castello di Ama 'Vigneto Bellavista' 2022 represents a historic, legendary, and benchmark expression of single-vineyard Sangiovese. Founded in 1972, Castello di Ama is recognized as a pioneer of single-vineyard (vigneto) site selection in Chianti Classico, with 'Vigneto Bellavista' first produced in 1978. Situated at 490 metres above sea level on stony, clay-limestone soils rich in galestro and alberese, this 5.6-hectare vineyard is planted predominantly to Sangiovese alongside a small proportion of Malvasia Nera. Under CEO and winemaking director Marco Pallanti, the winemaking philosophy incorporates parcel-by-parcel ambient yeast fermentation in stainless steel, followed by 15 to 18 months of maturation in fine-grained French oak barriques (approximately 40% new). The result is a monumental Gran Selezione that balances intense structural power, dark fruit depth, and aristocratic cellaring potential.

Wine Description

The wine presents an opaque, deep dark ruby red colour with intense crimson-garnet reflections along the rim. An expressive, highly complex bouquet opens with noble aromas of ripe dark cherry, wild blackberry, black plum compote, and cassis, interwoven with sophisticated notes of Mediterranean scrub, dried violets, crushed stone minerality, pipe tobacco, leather, and warm cedar spice. On the palate, it is full bodied, expansive, and seamless, delivering concentrated flavours of black fruit, licorice, and savory mineral earth, all supported by a bright, mouthwatering spine of natural high-elevation acidity. Framed by rich, fine-grained, muscular tannins and an extraordinarily dense mid-palate structure, it concludes with a long, persistent finish marked by lingering dark berries, balsamic nuances, and a clean gravelly grip. Composed of approximately 80% Sangiovese and 20% Malvasia Nera, this 2022 release offers an optimal drinking window of 2026–2048. Stylistically, it effortlessly combines Gaiole altitude, single-vineyard focus, and seamless structural depth.