Vigna L'Apparita (1998)

About this wine

The 1998 Vigna L'Apparita from Castello di Ama is a distinguished 100% Merlot from Tuscany, showcasing deep ruby hues and a complex bouquet of ripe blackberries, cherries, and subtle hints of tobacco. On the palate, it offers a harmonious blend of dark fruit flavors, complemented by notes of licorice and a touch of earthiness. The wine's well-integrated tannins and balanced acidity provide a smooth, lingering finish. Notably, L'Apparita was Tuscany's first pure Merlot, debuting in 1985, and has since become a benchmark for the varietal in the region. This vintage reflects the estate's commitment to expressing the unique terroir of the Bellavista vineyard, situated at an altitude of 490 meters, contributing to the wine's elegance and depth.

About the grape

Merlot, originally from Bordeaux, France, was introduced to Tuscany in the mid-19th century. Its adaptability led to widespread cultivation, particularly in regions like Chianti Classico. In the early 1980s, Castello di Ama recognized the potential of Merlot in their Bellavista vineyard, situated at an elevation of 490 meters. They grafted Merlot onto existing rootstocks, utilizing the open lyre training system to enhance sun exposure and airflow. This innovative approach culminated in the production of L'Apparita, Tuscany's first pure Merlot wine, debuting in 1985.

Quick facts

• 🍷 L'Apparita was Tuscany's first pure Merlot wine, debuting in 1985.
• 🏞️ The 1998 vintage of L'Apparita was produced from two small vineyards situated on the upper part of the Vigneto Bellavista in the Chianti Classico region of Tuscany.
• 🛢️ The 1998 L'Apparita underwent fermentation at about 32°C, with maceration extended for approximately 25 days, followed by malolactic fermentation in French oak barrels.
• 🍾 The 1998 vintage produced no more than 11,500 bottles and approximately 900 magnums, making it a limited production wine.
• 🏆 The 1998 L'Apparita received a score of 95/100 from Robert Parker's The Wine Advocate, indicating its high quality.

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.