November Online Part II
Online-Only Auction, 22 - 29 November 2021
Wine: Italy and Spain
Incl. Buyer's Premium & VAT
About this Item
Castello di Ama is located about 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. Historically Etruscan country, the first references to the region’s wines date back to 998. In the 11th century, Ama was the beneficiary of several privileges granted by the Holy Roman Emperors Henry VI and Otto IV. The Castello di Ama later became part of the holdings of the Firidolfi family. It was destroyed during the 15th-century Aragonese invasion. The modern era of Castello di Ama began about 35 years ago with the replanting of the estate vineyard. Of the estate’s 260 hectares, nearly 90 hectares are planted to vines. The site itself is spectacular – a rounded hilltop set 490 meters above sea level – as has the perfect southern exposure and clay-calcareous soils that are considered ideal for Sangiovese, Merlot, Chardonnay and Pinot Noir.
Provenance
Private Client
Critics Ratings
‘The 2006 Chianti Classico Vigneto Bellavista Sangiovese, Malvasia Nera is incredibly tight and backward. This masculine, authoritative wine shows little aromatic complexity today, instead it’s all about purity of fruit and structure, both of which the Bellavista has in spades. The style is more intense and powerful than the Casuccia; and even a touch more refined, as hard as that may seem to believe. The firm tannins need time to soften, but this is a dramatic, sweeping wine of the highest level that only needs patience. Sweet balsamic tones make an appearance on the finish, hinting at the direction the wine is heading. Anticipated maturity: 2016-2031.’ - Antonio Galloni, Wine Advocate, 96/100 (Aug 2009)
‘Sangiovese with about 20% Malvasia Nera. Very old vines. The first vintage of this wine was in 1978. Piquant cranberry nose, orange zest. Elegantly spicy on the palate, tingling with pepper and cinnamon over delicate but very intense fruit. Finely sculpted tannins. Aristocratic.’ - Tamlyn Currin, JancisRobinson.com, 17.5/20 (Feb 2010)