Castello di Ama is named for the tiny hamlet where it sits, perched high in the Tuscan hills midway between Gaiole and Radda. Since 1982, the husband and wife team of Marco Pallanti and Lorenza Sebasti have driven this property at a dynamic pace. Lorenza’s art work manifests itself throughout the estate and the wines have set some of the standards for Chianti that hundreds have tried to emulate. Named winemaker of the year by Gambero Rosso in 2003, Pallanti has deep Tuscan roots and that dedication and perseverance to traditional Tuscan winemaking earned another Gambero Rosso honor in 2005, Winery of the Year.
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| ~ Castello di Ama is magically gorgeous ~ |
It is said that in these hills, Ama has struck gold. It’s quite apt that today, we’re focusing on gold of the liquid variety; Castello di Ama’s 1999 Vin Santo. I love Vin Santo but it’s not as easy as one would think to find an excellent example. This 1999, is lovely.
In the glass, the wine is a deep golden color of honey. The aromas on Vin Santo are some of the more complex you can encounter and this one has it all. Honey, clove, almonds, brown sugar, mape syrup, caramel and even flowers are present. I love it! On the palate, it’s sweet without being cloying and the acidity is perfectly balanced. Flavors of brown sugar, toffee and hazelnuts take center stage and there’s a lovely bright orange peel note on the finish. It doesn’t get much better than this when it comes to Vin Santo. 95 points. A good value around $40 and perfect with some biscotti.
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| ~ This through a slight sediment ~ |
“Vin Santo is important in Tuscany. It is considered the very least one should offer to guests that stop by to visit on Sunday.” …….Winemaker Daniele Rosti, Campochiarenti.
Salute!
March 8, 2016
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