Castello di Ama ‘Vigneto Bellavista’ Chianti Classico Gran Selezione 2016
(Tuscany, Italy) - [VM 98] [WA 98] [JS 97] [WS 96] [WE 96]

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:
"Ama's 2016 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Vigneto Bellavista is a flat out stunner. Dark and brooding in its first impression, the 2016 races out of the glass with explosive vertical lift. This structured, potent Chianti Classico won't be ready to drink anytime soon, but it is immensely promising. Savory herbs, crushed rocks, chalk and dried flowers add myriad layers of dimension. The 2016 is complex, nuanced and built for cellaring. Drink 2026-2041." - Antonio Galloni (Jul 2019)

98 Points - Robert Parker's Wine Advocate:
"The 2016 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Vigneto Bellavista sees fruit sourced from one of Castello di Ama's most beautiful vineyards with a wide exposures and plenty of sunshine. This wine shows profound complexity and a far-reaching bouquet that evolves slowly in the glass. Of these three single-vineyard Gran Selezione wines (Bellavista, La Casuccia and San Lorenzo), the Vigneto Bellavista is the most complete, but it is also the most linear and streamlined in terms of mouthfeel. I would bet on putting this wine aside in your cellar for a longer aging time. Drink 2022-2042." - Monica Larner (Sep 2019)

97 Points - James Suckling:
"A glorious and racy red with ultra-fine tannins that are polished and very intense. It grows on the palate and delivers fabulous crushed raspberries, apple skins and wet earth. Lovely combination of ripeness and transparency. Drink in 2021, but wonderful to taste now if you decant it." (Nov 2019)

96 Points - Wine Spectator:
"This is a contrast of power and refinement, with black cherry and black currant fruit encased in a sheen of oak, while burly tannins and vivid acidity enhance the structure. Awkward today, this displays incredible elegance, with a laser of vivid acidity driving the exceptional length. Sangiovese and Malvasia Nera. Best from 2023 through 2043. 315 cases made, 40 cases imported." - Bruce Sanderson (Sep 2020)

96 Points - Wine Enthusiast:
"Aromas of black-skinned fruit, dark spice and sunbaked soil mingle with whiffs of camphor and forest floor on this enticing blend of 80% Sangiovese and 20% Malvasia Nera. The elegant, structured palate delivers black plum, ripe black cherry, star anise and crushed mint while firm, polished tannins provide support and finesse. It's well balanced, with bright acidity, while an earthy hint of game gives the finish depth. Drink 2023–2036." - Kerin O'Keefe (Apr 2020)