Castello di Ama Chianti Classico Vigneto Casuccia [2006] 750ml, red

The pioneer who elevated the status of Chianti Classico

Castello di Ama, the famous Chianti Classico. The current owner and winemaker, Marco, has served as president of the Chianti Classico Association for many years, and was awarded Gambero Rosso's Winemaker of the Year in 2003. At a time when Chianti Classico was known as a cheap wine that could be drunk quickly, Mr. Marco set a goal of ``creating a Chianti Classico that will age and be delicious even after five years'' and limited the yield to approximately 50%. In order to take advantage of the characteristics of the fields, we adopted a Burgundian-style method of harvesting and brewing each cru.

His goal was not to make a ``Chianti Classico'' wine, but rather a ``Castello di Ama'' wine. Rather than relying on the Chianti Classico name, he aimed to create a wine of quality that lived up to his own name. Through these efforts, the quality of wine has improved dramatically, and Ama's wines and Chianti Classico have received high praise worldwide. Castello di Ama is a famous Italian producer that has revived the status of Chianti Classico.

The hidden meaning of site-specific art

Ama's grounds are home to countless works of art by famous artists. The art is part of a site-specific art project that began in 2000, and aims to express amateur terroir through art. Each year, a different artist visits the land called Ama and creates works after understanding the atmosphere.

Mr. Marco says, ``A winemaker's job is like a conductor of an orchestra, and the grapes (=music) given to them are the same.However, the work (=wine) changes depending on the winemaker's interpretation and sensitivity. The same can be said for artists, and the works created in the land of Ama are the same as making wine. Wine needs a modern taste, so we should not be afraid of new things. "We also need new interpretations. All of these things are common to art," he said, and this activity continues even today.

"Vigneto La Casuccia" was the first blend of Chianti Classico and Merlot and received great acclaim. A very structured wine with surprisingly soft tannins and exceptional longevity. It has a very well-balanced, fine-grained finish.