| Region of production: | Chianti Classico |
| Winery Location: | Gaiole, Siena |
| Year Established: | 1970s |
Vineyard Holdings
75 ha
- Bellavista, La Casuccia, and San Lorenzo: Purchased in 1972 to establish the estate.
- Montebuoni: Purchased in 1997.
Top Wines Produced & Inaugural Vintages
- Ama Chianti Classico: 80 to 90% Sangiovese with Malvasia Nera, Canaiolo, and Merlot.
- Castello di Ama Chianti Classico Riserva: 80 to 90% Sangiovese with Malvasia Nera, Canaiolo, and Merlot.
- Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Vigneto Bellavista: 82% Sangiovese and 18% Malvasia Nera from a single vineyard. Inaugural vintage 1978. Not made in every year, notably skipping 2007 to 2011.
- Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Vigneto La Casuccia: 80% Sangiovese and 20% Merlot from a single vineyard. Inaugural vintage 1985.
- Chianti Classico Gran Selezione San Lorenzo: 80% Sangiovese, 13% Merlot, and 7% Malvasia Nera. Working toward producing this as a single-vineyard wine. Inaugural vintage 2010.
- L’Apparita Toscana IGP: 100% Merlot. Claims to be Tuscany’s first 100% Merlot wine. Inaugural vintage 1985.
Average Total Production
- 336,000 bottles
Summary
Five centuries ago, the historic Castello di Ama estate, tucked into the hills of Gaiole, was an agricultural hamlet overseen by local families. The winery was founded in the 1970s when another group of families purchased the estate and began replanting vineyards. Since 1988, Lorenza Sebasti, second generation of one of the founding families, has run the estate. Soon after this transition, she married the Tuscan agronomist who had been managing the property, Marco Pallanti. He continues as winemaker and was named the Gambero Rosso Italian Winemaker of the Year in 2003.
Style & Vinification Techniques
All fermentations take place in stainless steel under temperature control. All varieties are fermented separately, and by parcel. Maceration is between three and four weeks, and the wines are aged in French oak. All DOCG wines use 20% new oak, and the L’Apparita sees 50% new French oak.
Producer Website: Castello di Ama