At a glance

Producer

Castello di Ama

Region

Chianti Classico, Tuscany, Italy

Grape variety

Sangiovese with small portions of Merlot and Malvasia Nera

Wine type

Red

Body

Full-bodied and Smooth

Sweetness

Dry

Typical price

Approximately $60-$90 USD

Tasting profile

Ripe cherry, plum, dried herbs, leather, with hints of tobacco and spice

Evolution: Will further develop complexity with tertiary notes like forest floor and truffle over the next 5-8 years

At peak: Smooth, harmonious fruit and savory integration with silky tannins and balanced acidity

Structure

Acidity

Bright, balanced acidity typical of Chianti Classico

Tannins

Fine-grained, well integrated, medium-plus tannins

Alcohol

Around 14-14.5%

Aging potential

15-20 years from vintage due to concentration, tannin structure, and acidity

Drinking window

Peak drinking

2022 to 2036

Optimal window

2018 to 2039

Current status

Approaching mid-maturity with excellent drinking potential

Current condition

Showing rich fruit core with balanced tannins, may benefit from short decanting

The synergy of Sangiovese's bright acidity and structured tannins combined with careful oak aging and vintage conditions allows this 2011 Gran Selezione to mature gracefully for 15-20 years, reaching peak harmony approximately 10-17 years after release.

Food pairing

Pairs excellently with traditional Tuscan dishes such as grilled red meats, roasted game, aged cheeses, mushroom risotto, and hearty pasta with meat ragù.

Serving

Serving temperature

16-18°C / 61-64°F

Decant

Yes (30-60 minutes) — To aerate and soften the tannins as well as to open complex aromas

Sustainability

Sustainability score: 8/10

Castello di Ama employs organic viticulture with minimal intervention, cover cropping, reduction in synthetic inputs, solar energy utilization, water conservation measures, and eco-friendly packaging

The producer's commitment to organic farming, energy-efficient practices, and sustainable water management contribute to a high sustainability rating. While international distribution adds carbon footprint, their efforts in pack weight reduction and renewable energy offset much of the impact.