Castello di Ama ‘AMA’ Chianti Classico, Italy, 2020
96% Sangiovese and 4% Merlot.
To the eye it’s a vibrant ruby red, with violet, redcurrant, cherries and strawberry aromas. Fruity, fragrant and nicely balanced fruit notes, subtle tannins and a lovely fresh acidity.
Pairs well with all things Italian, from ossobuco to lasagne to pizza to bruschetta.
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“Blue flower, sandalwood, cassis and spice shape the nose on this lovely red. All about finesse and youthful tension, the savory, elegantly structured palate features juicy Morello cherry, coffee bean and star anise framed in taut, fine-grained tannins. Fresh acidity keeps it balanced and focused. Drink through 2027.”
Wine Enthusiast, July 2022 93 points.
“An expression of Castello di Ama’s young vines – 10 to 12 years old – Ama is aged in second passage barriques. The delightfully fruity and vibrant nose exudes rose and lavender, with oak notes in the background. Plump sweet fruit on the mid-palate speaks to the modest dollop of Merlot in the blend. The tannins are velvety and polished, and the acidity is refreshing. A citrussy tang brings this near-term charmer to a close. 2022 – 2026”
Decanter, March 2022 90 points.
“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. 2022 – 2032
This set of new releases from Lorenza Sebasti and Marco Pallanti is the most impressive I have ever tasted here. The wines are strong across the board, while the 2019 flagship wines – La Casuccia, Bellavista and L’Apparita – are off the charts great. Pallanti has long coaxed notable intensity from these vineyards, but the 2019s add dimensions of freshness and energy that are simply breathtaking. I tasted these wines a few weeks later in my home in New York, far away from the bucolic setting of Ama, and was equally blown away.”
Vinous - Antonio Galloni, July 2022 90 points
“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.”
Wine Spectator, September 2022 90 points.
“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.”
jamessuckling.com, August 2022 93 points.
