Castello di Ama : Vigneto La Casuccia 2006

A Rich and Dense Chianti Classico with a Lingering Finish

Located in the celebrated Chianti Classico appellation of Tuscany, the Castello di Ama estate is named after the historical hamlet which stood in its place five hundred years ago, a hub of winemaking shared by several local families. The estate of today was founded in the 1960's by a group of families, who collaborated to bring the estate back to its former glory and produce high quality Chianti Classico wines. Castello di Ama is currently managed by 2 families, with Lorenza Sebasti and Marco Pallanti at its helm. The estate includes 80 hectares of vineyards, planted at a radius of 3 kilometers around the historic hamlet. This vineyards area can be divided into 4 distinct valley regions. First acquired in 1972, the La Casuccia vineyard expands over 12.5 hectares of vines, which grow in rich clay and limestone soils. The fruit from this property's northeast and southwest facing vines are used in the estate's single-vineyard Chianti Classico Casuccia. The first vintage of this wine was 1985. The Chianti Classico Casuccia 2006 from Castello di Ama contains a blend of 80% Sangiovese and 20% Merlot. The wine is fermented at a temperature between 30 and 33 °C, and is treated with with constant pump-overs. After racking, the wine is moved into barrels, where it undergoes malolactic fermentation. The wine matures in Allier barrels, of which 80% are new, for a period of 18 months before bottling.

The Chianti Classico Casuccia 2006 shows off a bright and clear, deep purple-red color in the glass. On the nose, this wine reveals gorgeous aromas of black cherries, blackberries and raspberries, along with floral touches (especially violets). Merlot seems to have contributed a touch of chocolate to the wine, which mingles with sweet brown spices and a mineral character to offer a very complex bouquet. On the palate, this wine is powerful and dense with a very rich and layered texture, along with silky tannins and lively acidity. Notes of leather, licorice and smoke come forth on the finish, which lingers long on the palate.