Castello di Ama : Vigneto La Casuccia 2004

A Powerful Chianti Classico with Fantastic Length

The name of the prestigious Castello di Ama estate comes from the small agricultural hamlet which was a hub of winemaking five hundred years ago, shared by several local families. The property was founded in the 1960's by families who intended to bring the estate back to its former glory and produce high quality Chianti Classico wines. The estate is currently run by the families of Lorenza Sebasti and Marco Pallanti, expanding over 80 hectares planted with vines at a radius of 3km around the historic hamlet. The vineyard property of Castello di Ama can be divided into 4 valley regions, each with its own distinctive terroir. Purchased in 1972, the La Casuccia vineyard includes 12.5 hectares of vines growing in rich clay and limestone soils. The fruit is used to produce the single-vineyard Chianti Classico Casuccia, whose very first vintage was 1985. The Chianti Classico Casuccia 2004 from Castello di Ama blends 80% Sangiovese and 20% Merlot. Alcoholic fermentation and maceration take place in stainless steel vats for 25 days, while malolactic fermentation is carried out in barrels. The wine is matured in French oak barrels, of which 80% are new, for a period of 18 months before bottling.

The Chianti Classico Casuccia 2004 presents an intense, bright ruby red color in the glass. On the nose, this Chianti Classico is complex and deep, exuding very ripe aromas of wild cherries, dark blueberries and raspberries, along with touches of violet, tobacco, licorice and mint. On the palate, this wine presents a superb richesse and powerful structure, persisting with a fantastic length and remarkable balance. Ready to drink now.