Dynamic: Castello di Ama Riserva

~ Art meets wine at Castello di Ama ~

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. 

Marco is affable and charming.  Immediately upon meeting him, within the first two minutes his welcoming nature makes it as though he's known you for 20 years.  I was fortunate enough to have dinner with him this past summer - in Panzano at Dario Cecchini's masterpiece of a restaurant.   As head of the Chianti Consorzio we chatted about many things, but mostly the new Gran Selezione designation and the upcoming vintages to be released.  A treat!

~ Marco Pallanti & Andrea Cecchi ~

Today, we're focusing on another treat courtesy of Marco Pallanti;  his 2009 Castello di Ama Chianti Classico Riserva.  

The beauty of this wine is evident from the first taste.  If you've been to this area of Tuscany, you'll understand what I'm trying to convey with more precision.  The aroma of this wine is that of the Tuscan air.  It's a little bit mountain fresh.  It's the conveyance of the dusty road, the porcini, the bluish-green scrub that lines the strada bianca, the ornamental flowers that frame the vineyards and the crushed fruit that is briary and fresh.  It's seamless.

On the palate, the wine follows the nose with vibrant lovely flavors of mushroom, earth, fresh crushed cherry, fennel, eucalyptus bush and other fresh herbs.  This was taken to a quaint Trattoria and paired with several enticing antipasti and entrees and its versatility was impressive.   Simply gorgeous.  In 2009,  Castello di Ama did not produce any of their single vineyard bottlings, so this estate wine benefits greatly from those fruit sources.   93 points,  approximately $28. 

~ From Risotto, Osso Bucco, Roasted Chicken and Polenta w/ Sausage,  this wine hit on all cylinders ~

E vero!