{"product_id":"castello-di-ama-chianti-classico-vigneto-la-casuccia-2018","title":"Castello di Ama Chianti Classico Vigneto La Casuccia 2018","description":"\u003cp\u003eCastello di Ama Chianti Classico Vigneto La Casuccia 2018 is a single-vineyard wine from one of Tuscany’s most prized crus, crafted in very limited quantities. Blending Sangiovese with a touch of Merlot, it offers depth, polish and a distinctly modern expression of Chianti Classico while remaining firmly rooted in tradition. Terraced vines and meticulous parcel selection give this wine a remarkable sense of precision and place, making it a coveted bottle for collectors and serious Tuscan enthusiasts alike.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTasting Notes\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIn the glass, the 2018 La Casuccia shows a deep, vibrant ruby hue with garnet reflections at the rim, hinting at both concentration and youth. The nose is layered and refined, with aromas of dark cherries, blackberries and wild strawberries interwoven with violet, dried rose petals, tobacco leaf and a subtle graphite edge. As it opens, more complex notes of cedar, sweet spice, leather and a touch of balsamic emerge, speaking to its pedigree and élevage.\n\nOn the palate, this wine is full-bodied yet beautifully poised, with a core of ripe red and black fruit framed by fine, chalky tannins. Sangiovese brings lifted acidity, savory herbs and a mineral streak, while Merlot adds plushness and mid-palate breadth. Flavors of sour cherry, plum and blackcurrant mingle with notes of cocoa, licorice, espresso and a hint of smoke on a long, persistent finish. The 2018 vintage offers excellent balance between richness and freshness, and while already very expressive, this wine has significant aging potential: it will drink well now with proper aeration, but should evolve gracefully for 12–18 years from vintage, gaining tertiary nuances of truffle, leather and forest floor.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eProduction\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eLa Casuccia is a 12.58-hectare vineyard within the hills of Chianti Classico, with 6 hectares originally planted in 1978 and the remainder in 2007. The site is terraced, not only to enhance the vineyard’s dramatic appearance, but also to optimize sun exposure and airflow and to secure more even ripening across the slopes. The parcel is divided into nine distinct blocks, and in the finest vintages only the best-performing plots—most often parcel numbers 49, 46 and 45—are selected for this cru, resulting in naturally low yields and high concentration. Grapes are carefully hand-harvested at optimal ripeness, sorted both in the vineyard and at the winery, then vinified parcel by parcel to preserve the identity of each block. Fermentation typically takes place in temperature-controlled vessels with gentle extraction to capture finesse rather than power, followed by aging in high-quality oak (often French barriques) where the wine harmonizes, gains structure and develops its complex bouquet before being blended and bottled.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFood \u0026amp; Serving\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThis Chianti Classico single-vineyard bottling is a superb match for refined Tuscan cuisine and richly flavored dishes. Think bistecca alla fiorentina, slow-braised lamb shanks, roast veal, game birds, ragù-based pastas, wild mushroom risotto, or aged pecorino and hard cheeses. Its structure and freshness allow it to cut through richer sauces, while the aromatic complexity is elevated by grilled meats and earthy, herbal flavors. Serve at 16–18°C (60–64°F) in large Bordeaux or Burgundy-style glasses to fully express its bouquet. Decanting for 1–2 hours in its youth is recommended to soften the tannins and allow the wine to unfurl; older bottles may need a gentler, shorter decant simply to remove sediment.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eProducer\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eCastello di Ama is one of the benchmark estates of Chianti Classico, located near the village of Gaiole in the heart of Tuscany. Established on historic vineyard land that has produced wine for centuries, the modern estate rose to prominence from the 1970s onward through an unwavering commitment to quality, vineyard research and terroir-driven wines. Castello di Ama was among the pioneers of single-vineyard bottlings in Chianti Classico, with crus like La Casuccia helping redefine the region’s potential and paving the way for the Gran Selezione category. The estate is widely acclaimed by international critics, consistently earning top scores and featuring on lists of Italy’s finest wines, and today it stands as a leading voice in elevating Chianti Classico to world-class status.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Castello Di Ama","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":54255458779473,"sku":"XW-32590","price":221.0,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0874\/0614\/9969\/files\/castello-di-ama-chianti-classico-vigneto-la-casuccia-2018_32590_1.jpg?v=1783459005","url":"https:\/\/bottlehero.com\/products\/castello-di-ama-chianti-classico-vigneto-la-casuccia-2018","provider":"Bottle Hero","version":"1.0","type":"link"}