![Castello di Ama ‘Vigneto la Casuccia’ Chianti Classico Gran Selezione 2016 (Tuscany, Italy) - [VM 97] [WE 97] [WA 96] [DM 96] [WS 95] [JS 95]](http://artisan.wine/cdn/shop/files/fdnsaifnsdipaunfdsoanfiuregndsonfdsd76m_{width}x.webp?v=1711153569)
Castello di Ama ‘Vigneto la Casuccia’ Chianti Classico Gran Selezione 2016
(Tuscany, Italy) - [VM 97] [WE 97] [WA 96] [DM 96] [WS 95] [JS 95]
Regular price $250.00 Sale price $199.97 Save $50.03
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. Vigneto La Casuccia, whose first vintage was 1985, was the first blend produced from the separate harvesting of three parcels of Sangiovese and Merlot.
The wine is produced in exceedingly limited quantities and only in the best vintages. Vigneto La Casuccia is an impactful wine. In many vintages, it emerges energetic, balanced, sensual and vivacious, requiring time to fully express its full potential.
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. Vigneto La Casuccia, whose first vintage was 1985, was the first blend produced from the separate harvesting of three parcels of Sangiovese and Merlot.
The wine is produced in exceedingly limited quantities and only in the best vintages. Vigneto La Casuccia is an impactful wine. In many vintages, it emerges energetic, balanced, sensual and vivacious, requiring time to fully express its full potential.
Technical Information:
First release 1985Grapes: 80% Sangiovese, 20% Merlot
Alcohol: 13.5%
Total Acidity: 5 g/l
Ratings & Reviews:
97 Points - Vinous Media:
"The 2016 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Vigneto La Casuccia is rich, sensual and inviting, as it so often is. The addition of Merlot to Sangiovese yields a Chianti Classico built on textural resonance, with silky tannins, soft curves and tons of sheer allure. The 2016 won't be ready to drink anytime soon, but it is unquestionably a great wine in the making. Succulent dark cherry, red plum, menthol, licorice, cloves and new oak infuse the creamy, voluptuous finish." Drink 2024-2041. - Antonio Galloni (Jul 2019)
97 Points - Wine Enthusiast:
"Mature black-skinned berry, rose, tilled soil and a balsamic whiff of eucalyptus shape the nose. The bright, elegant palate has energy, tension and depth, delivering ripe wild cherry, red plum, licorice and crushed botanical herb. Taut, fine-grained tannins lend polished support while fresh acidity keeps it balanced. A gorgeous wine. Drink through 2031." - Kerin O'Keefe (Apr 2020)
96 Points - Robert Parker's Wine Advocate:
"From the small vineyard facing Castello di Ama from the north, the 2016 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Vigneto la Casuccia shows a dark and hearty side with rich fruit that flows steadily from the bouquet. Like the other new releases from this iconic estate, this wine shows a pretty earthy note that is particularly well defined and fine-tuned in this vintage. The fruit is broad, thick and horizontal. This is a Sangiovese painted with broad brush strokes. It'll stand another decade or two, or open it sooner with a pappardelle al cinghiale." - Monica Larner (Sep 2019)
96 Points - Decanter Magazine:
"First released as a single vineyard bottling in 1985, Casuccia was replanted in 2007, introducing terraces to manage the slope and maximise exposure. The vines face northeast to southwest, reaching almost 500 metres above sea level. Beautifully fragrant notes of fennel tea, cherry, black raspberry and tarragon emerge effortlessly, while dark, round, velvety fruit is enveloped in silky tannins on the palate. Yet there's a sneaky firmness and brightening acidity here, along with succulent minerality. While it might not be as long-lived as Bellavista, it will offer enormous drinking pleasure throughout its lifespan." Drink 2021-2034. - Michaela Morris (Feb 2019)
95 Points - Wine Spectator:
"This aromatic Chianti Classico features violet, black cherry, leather, earth and spice flavors. A laser of bracing acidity and muscular tannins runs underneath. The balance tips toward the tannins today, but put this in your cellar for another few years. Sleek and very long. Sangiovese and Merlot. Best from 2023 through 2042. 315 cases made, 40 cases imported." - Bruce Sanderson (Sep 2020)
95 Points - James Suckling:
"A dense and layered red with spice and berry character. Medium to full body. Blueberry, wet-earth and walnut undertones. Iodine. Shows structure and intensity. Drink in 2020 and onwards." (Nov 2019)