Castello di Ama ‘Vigneto Bellavista’ Chianti Classico Gran Selezione 2018
(Tuscany, Italy) 750mL - [VM 98] [JS 97] [WA 96] [WS 94] [WE 93]

About the Winery:

Ama is an old, fortified village situated near Radda and Gaiole in the heart of the Chianti Classico region. The Castello or Castle of Ama is surrounded by the beautiful Tuscan countryside and sits 12 miles northeast of Siena in the hills of Gaiole. This is the heart of Chianti Classico, a bucolic rolling landscape of woods, vineyards and olive groves. The property is owned and operated by the husband and wife team of Marco Pallanti and Lorenza Sebasti. Over the last quarter century they have replanted all of the vineyards and upgraded all of the winemaking capabilities to make this one of Tuscany's showcase producers. The vineyards are divided into five important parcels; San Lorenzo, Bellavista, La Casuccia, Bertinga and Montebuoni.

About this Wine:

Beginning in 1978, certain parcels were identified as possessing outstanding soil and microclimates due to extensive research into the terroir of the Castello di Ama vineyards. The Bellavista vineyard covers an area of 22.82 hectares, with 9.30 replanted from 1974 to 1978, and 13.52 replanted in 2007. The plot of 22 parcels of land has been terraced to improve aspecting and ensure more uniform ripening. In the best vintages, parcels 1 to 19 of Malvasia Nera, and 21 and 22 of Sangiovese contribute most to the production of this vineyard selection. 1982 was Marco Pallanti’s first harvest. The Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Vigneto Bellavista has always set the standard for the fine wines of Castello di Ama.

A blend of Sangiovese and Malvasia Nera, the wine fully conveys its distinctive personality with the Malvasia Nera aromas, which lend a floral and intriguing character. Alongside the beauty of the bouquet, this wine is essentially centred on the finesse and elegance of the palate and “that subtle alternation between muscular power and grace”.

Technical Information:

First release 1978
Grapes: 80% Sangiovese, 20% Malvasia Nera
Alcohol: 13.5%
Total Acidity: 5.1 g/l
Residual Sugar: 0.5 g/l

Ratings & Reviews:

98 Points - Vinous Media:
"The 2018 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Vigneto Bellavista marries Sangiovese and Malvasia Nera, a combination that works so well. The Bellavista is a powerful, vertical wine endowed with explosive and tremendous energy. Like all the top wines, it needs the better part of a decade to show all it's got. Gravel, smoke, leather, licorice and scorched earth." - Antonio Galloni (Sep 2021)

97 Points - James Suckling:
"This is a very deep and serious Chianti Classico with bark, dark-mushroom and blackberry aromas that follow through to a full body with very polished and integrated tannins that are long and classy. A sophisticated and glorious wine. Drink in 2024 and onwards, but already very pretty." (Jul 2021)

96 Points - Wine Advocate:
"The 2018 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Vigneto Bellavista comes roaring out the gate with intensity and power, but it doesn't quite have the exceptional depth that we see in the 2019 vintage. This is a generous and exuberant wine with dark fruit, pressed blackberry, plenty of spice and great overall dimension. It's truly gorgeous, yet I might consider a slightly shorter drinking for this full-bodied vintage." - Monica Larner (Feb 2023)

94 Points - Wine Spectator:
"A rich, intense red, displaying black cherry, blackberry, menthol, iron and graphite flavors, this is polished and expressive, yet with beefy tannins lining the chalky finish. All the components are there—this just needs time. Sangiovese and Malvasia Nera. Best from 2024 through 2040. 544 cases made, 100 cases imported." - BS (Sep 2022)

93 Points and #26 Top Cellar Selection of 2022 - Wine Enthusiast:
"Camphor, dark spice, blue flower and a whiff of forest floor shape the alluring nose on this delicious red. Elegantly structured and all about finesse and flavor, the savory, focused palate delivers juicy Marasca cherry, orange zest, licorice and cassis alongside taut, ultrarefined tannins. Made with 80% Sangiovese and 20% Malvasia Nera, it's beautifully balanced, with bright acidity. Drink 2025."