Vigneto Bellavista Chianti Classico (1997)

About this wine

The 1997 Vigneto Bellavista Chianti Classico from Castello di Ama offers a deep ruby-garnet color and powerful aromas of dried fruits, including raisin and dates. On the palate, it is full-bodied with a round and soft mouthfeel, showcasing beautiful ripe fruit flavors and a long, elegant finish. This wine is a blend of Sangiovese and Malvasia Nera, with the Malvasia Nera contributing floral and intriguing aromas. Produced in limited quantities, it reflects the exceptional terroir of the Bellavista vineyard, known for its outstanding soil and microclimate. The 1997 vintage is particularly noteworthy, having received high praise from critics for its balance and aging potential.

About the grape

Sangiovese, the primary grape in Chianti Classico, is known for its high acidity and tannins, contributing to the wine's structure and aging potential. Malvasia Nera, a less common black grape, adds floral aromas and softens the wine's profile. In the 1997 Castello di Ama Vigneto Bellavista Chianti Classico, these grapes were vinified separately using ambient yeasts, with Sangiovese undergoing a 22-day maceration and Malvasia Nera 26 days, before blending and aging in French oak barriques for approximately 14 months. This meticulous process highlights the unique characteristics of each varietal, resulting in a harmonious and complex wine.

Quick facts

• 🍇 The 1997 Vigneto Bellavista Chianti Classico from Castello di Ama is a blend of approximately 80% Sangiovese and 20% Malvasia Nera, showcasing the traditional grape varieties of the Chianti region.
• 🏞️ This wine originates from the Bellavista vineyard, which spans 22.5 hectares at elevations between 427 and 515 meters above sea level, providing optimal conditions for grape cultivation.
• 🏆 The 1997 vintage received high praise, with Wine Spectator awarding it a 94-point rating, highlighting its harmonious blend of dried fruit aromas and a long, elegant finish.
• 🏰 Castello di Ama, established in the 1970s, is renowned for its commitment to quality and innovation, producing some of the most esteemed wines in the Chianti Classico region.
• 🌍 The Bellavista vineyard's unique terroir, characterized by pebbly, clay, and limestone soils, contributes to the wine's distinctive flavor profile and aging potential.

Palate profile

Producer

Castello di Ama, located in the heart of Tuscany's Chianti Classico region, was founded in 1976 by four families from Rome who aimed to restore the estate to its former glory. The winery has been a pioneer in the region, introducing single-vineyard wines and producing the first pure Merlot wine in Chianti Classico. Beyond winemaking, Castello di Ama is renowned for its integration of contemporary art, featuring site-specific installations by artists like Anish Kapoor and Louise Bourgeois. The estate is also committed to sustainability, implementing practices such as sexual confusion to reduce insecticide use and obtaining the Equalitas certification in 2022.