Castello di Ama is one of the best wineries in the Chianti Classico region. This beautiful property is located in a small romantic village called Ama in Gaiole in Chianti, Italy. Castello di Ama is in the historic heart of Chianti Classico, in central Tuscany, between the Florence and Siena provinces. The estate has everything for a lovely getaway: fantastic wines, great authentic food, incredible art collection, charming rooms and to top it off breathtaking views over the vineyards.

History

The history of Ama goes back to the Etruscans, romans and a full rebuild of the property in the early 1700s. In 1982 Marco Pallanti arrived in Ama and became the estate’s winemaker, who enjoyed a training at the University of Bordeaux. In 1993 Lorenza Sebasti took over the management of the estate. Lorenza and Marco continue to share the same passion and vision for the winery.

The Wines

“Wine has to spring from the rock of the vineyards and reflect its characteristics. Soil, climate and variety form a particular functional reality in which the technique of control of man is inserted, to bring out all the originality of the situation.” – Marco Pallantini

Castello di Ama has about 75 hectares of vines, around the village of Ama. The vineyards lie between 420 and 527 meters above sea level and extend across four valleys with their traditional names: Bellavista, San Lorenzo, La Casuccia and Montebuoni.

An average of 320,000 bottles are produced every year, divided between Chianti Classico and IGT labels.

San Lorenzo vineyard

The divine valley in front of the eighteenth-century villa is named after the fifteenth-century chapel in the village of Ama.

It was purchased in 1972 and produced its Cru of the same name between 1982 and 1990. It has become the heartland of the Sangiovese used to make Gran Selezione San Lorenzo.

At an altitude that varies between 466 and 525 meters above sea level, the vineyard covers 16.5 hectares and faces in an East/South East direction. The chalky soil contains a fair amount of clay-rich schist.

Bellavista vineyard

The mesmerizing Bellavista valley welcomes visitors to Ama. Since the 1978 vintage, a Cru has been made from the very best grapes grown in this vineyard. Covering a total surface of 22.5 hectares, this South/ South West facing vineyard consists of pebbly soil, mostly clay and chalk, and varies between 427 and 515 meters above sea level.

Chianti Classico Gran Selezione, Castello di Ama Vigneto Bellavista, is one of the oldest Chianti Classico wines. It has been produced since 1978 from the vineyard’s Sangiovese grapes (approximately 80%) with the addition of Malvasia Nera. Very few bottles are made in exceptional vintages.

A powerful and masculine wine, without losing elegance and has a beautiful balance. This wine ages beautifully.

L’Apparita vineyard

The first purebred Tuscan Merlot.

L’Apparita became an important cult wine in 1985, its debut year. The vineyard in front of the winery is called “L’Apparita” because the tower of Siena’s city hall appears in the distance at the highest point of the parcel.

The open lyre-trained vines extend across approximately 3 hectares at 501 meters above sea level. The rows are planted in a Nord/South direction.

This wine has always been produced in a limited number of bottles (with the exception of the 2002 and 2012 vintages).

The altitude, the clay and chalk soil composition give freshness and elegance to this wine, alongside power, harmony and longevity.

La Casuccia vineyard

The stone walls of the terrace surrounding La Casuccia vineyard lie only two kilometers north of the village of Ama. They were arranged in this way to ensure that the rows of Sangiovese face in a perfect Nord/South direction. The clay soil contains a large number of stones. The vineyard extends across 16.1 hectares at an altitude that varies between 483 and 527 meters above sea level.

The Chianti Classico Gran Selezione, Castello di Ama Vigneto La Casuccia, is made from Sangiovese grapes (approximately 85%) with the addition of Merlot. Only a limited number of bottles are produced in exceptional vintages. An intense wine with a complex and profound bouquet. Red berry aromas with tobacco, licorice and mint nuances. Sublime opulence and elegance. This is a wine that ages spectacularly.

Montebuoni vineyard

Nestled on the slope of the hill parallel to the Bellavista vineyard, it is named after the village opposite. It was purchased by Castello di Ama in 1997.

The area under vine extends across 14.7 hectares and faces South/South West at an average altitude between 420 and 508 meters above sea level. The soil composition is varied: rich in clay at low-lying altitudes and abundant in chalk and stones on the highest slopes.

Experiences & Hospitality

Tours and tastings

Castello di Ama offers different types of tours and tastings. On every tour you walk through the beautiful village of Ama, with amazing views on the hills and vines of Gaiole. Next to this you pass by different works of art that reflect the wines and the surroundings. At the end you can enjoy the Castello di Ama wines.

Ristoro and Enoteca ‘Villa Pianigiani’

At the Ristoro you can enjoy a great lunch, beautiful local dishes made with the best ingredients. All dishes are wonderfully paired with the Castello di Ama wines.

The Enoteca is open all day for tastings and to buy the lovely Castello di Ama wines.

Villa Ricucci suites

When you are looking for a place to stay in the Chianti region, Castello di Ama can offer you a lovely stay at the Villa Ricucci. They have 5 suites in the 18^th century villa. Every suite has a lovely authentic feeling and cosiness.

A special thanks to Licata Vini who organized our visit and to the Castello di Ama staff.