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.