2020 Chianti Classico
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Tasting Notes
Castello di Ama settles on a tried-and-true formula with its 2020 Chianti Classico Ama. The trick is to present the elegant side of Sangiovese (blended in this case with a touch of Merlot) while also remaining fun, accessible and easy-drinking. The 2020 vintage brings forth a bit more heat and fruit concentration, but it also shows delicate cassis, red rose and Mediterranean aromas. The tannins are gentle and the mouthfeel is streamlined. I visited with Marco Pallanti at Castello di Ama last year. Dressed in a breezy linen shirt and with a feisty Jack Russell named Bach always at his side, Mr. Pallanti was gearing up for his 40th harvest. "As we say in Italian, I'm turning my 40th leaf," he confides. That 40th leaf marks a big new addition to this historic property in Gaiole in Chianti that straddles the worlds of fine wine and art. In 2021, a new tasting room and visitor center called l'Arca (or "the Ark") was inaugurated. The contemporary design space is lofty and open, making it an ideal spot to soak in the Tuscan atmosphere. The building houses 80,000 bottles and larger formats from the library collection in the basement. Admission to the Ark is free and wines are served by the glass.
Critic Scores
Average Score
Monica Larner, Wine Advocate
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
More reviews and scores
Fleshy and firm, with plum, cherry, iron and Tuscan scrub flavors. Reveals tannins, but is mouthwatering in the end. Sangiovese and Merlot. Drink now through 2027. 1,500 cases imported.
A fresh and composed red with blackcurrant and blueberry aromas with minerals and citrus underneath. It's medium-bodied with fine tannins and a racy, long finish. Drink or hold.
The 2020 Chianti Classico Ama is a pretty, understated wine that shows the vivid side of Sangiovese in its bright, red-fleshed fruit. Medium bodied and vibrant, with brisk acids and lifted aromatics, the 2020 is a gorgeous wine to drink now and over the next 10-15 years. Ama is the estate's young-vines Chianti Classico. I loved it.
About the producer
Castello di Ama is one of the pre-eminent estates in Chianti Classico. Situated in the southern-most district of the appellation, the estate has only been making wine since the late 1970s but has since built a reputation as one of the region’s best.