Hidden Gem of Chianti’s Tough 2023 Vintage
The name Castello di Ama carries real weight in Chianti Classico. For decades, the estate has been one of the standard-bearers for what great Sangiovese from Tuscany can be: elegant and unmistakably tied to its hillside vineyards in Gaiole. When people talk about the modern renaissance of Chianti Classico, Castello di Ama is always part of that conversation.
The 2023 Chianti Classico “Ama” is the estate’s introduction to their style, but don’t mistake that for simplicity. This wine comes from the same high-altitude vineyards and meticulous farming that define their top bottlings. In fact, due to a very short crop in the vintage, the estate is not producing any of the Cru wines or a Gran Selezione. That’s right, this is entry level Castello di Ama that is made from the best fruit from the Cru vineyards.
Although 2023 was a difficult year in Chianti, the quality of the small amount of wine that was made is excellent. Some regions lost as much as 80% of their harvest due to Spring and Autumn hail storms. However, what was left on the vines has proven to be of excellent quality. Producers like Castello di Ama shine in challenging years; they never make bad wine, just less of it sometimes. And as an added benefit, the entry level wines are usually the wine of the vintage in the most challenging years.
This is Chianti Classico that overdelivers in every way. Very little was actually made, only 60 cases came to Massachusetts. This is the best way to keep Castello di Ama in your cellar at a value price. Buy a case. You’ll thank yourself a dozen times.
94 Points, Vinous Media
The 2023 Chianti Classico Ama is superb. Then again, it is the only Sangiovese-based wine Ama bottled in 2023. Dark red cherry, red plum, rose petal, blood orange, and pomegranate are all wonderfully delineated. Dynamic and vibrant in the glass, with superb character, the 2023 massively overdelivers. Readers who can find it should not hesitate. 2026 – 2038