Questo vino
Vineyard and terroir
Most of the vines were planted between 1974 and 1978, at an average density of about 3,000 vines per hectare. The vineyards lie at elevations of 390–530 metres above sea level.
Grapes
The blend combines Sangiovese, Malvasia Nera, Merlot and Cabernet Franc.
Vinification
For the 2008 vintage, Sangiovese and Merlot were harvested by hand on 3–5 October in sunny weather and carried in boxes holding no more than 12 kg. The grapes were selected by hand on a sorting table, destemmed and gently pressed. Each variety fermented separately in stainless-steel tanks at approximately 30–32 °C, with regular stirring of the must. Skin contact lasted 21–23 days, followed by malolactic fermentation. The individual lots were then blended.
Ageing
The assembled 2008 blend was returned to oak barrels, 20% of them new, and aged for about one year.
Vintage notes
The 2008 season began with heavy rain in February and mild weather in March. April was cool and wet, May was moderate, and June was rainy. Hot, dry conditions in July helped the grapes remain healthy and develop well, while favourable weather continued through September. Cool temperatures and heavy rain arrived in early autumn, followed by warm, dry weather in October—an Indian summer that allowed harvesting on sunny days. The grapes were healthy and fully ripe.
Label / history
Castello di Ama was founded in 1972. The village of Ama lies between two hills in the commune of Gaiole in Chianti, Siena. The 250 ha estate includes 90 ha of vineyards. Over ten years, the estate studied the area, built cellars and conducted vineyard trials, identifying the most successful site for Sangiovese and testing Merlot, Chardonnay and Pinot in Ama’s soils. About 50,000 vines were grafted over five years, and 21 ha were gradually converted to a V-shaped training system designed to expose more leaves to sunlight.
