Vigneto Bellavista Chianti Classico (1995)

About this wine

The 1995 Vigneto Bellavista Chianti Classico from Castello di Ama presents a deep ruby-red color with garnet highlights. On the nose, it offers an intricate bouquet of dark berries, pomegranate, and subtle tobacco notes. The palate is rich and juicy, featuring layers of dark fruit, licorice, and fine minerality, complemented by firm yet refined tannins that lead to a long and elegant finish. This wine is a blend of 80% Sangiovese and 20% Malvasia Nera, a combination that enhances its complexity and depth. Notably, the 1995 vintage was harvested on October 20, an exceptionally late date, contributing to its unique character and aging potential.

About the grape

Sangiovese, the primary grape in Chianti Classico, is known for its high acidity and tannins, which contribute to the wine's structure and aging potential. Malvasia Nera, a lesser-known red grape, adds aromatic complexity and a floral character to the blend. At Castello di Ama's Bellavista vineyard, these grapes are cultivated at elevations between 427 and 515 meters, benefiting from clay and limestone soils that enhance their quality. The combination of Sangiovese's robustness and Malvasia Nera's aromatic qualities results in a wine that balances power with elegance.

Quick facts

• 🍇 The 1995 Vigneto Bellavista Chianti Classico from Castello di Ama is a blend of 80% Sangiovese and 20% Malvasia Nera, a combination that enhances its aromatic complexity.
• 📅 This wine was harvested on October 20, 1995, an exceptionally late date due to a cool summer, resulting in a wine with remarkable richness and balance.
• 🏞️ The Bellavista vineyard spans 22.82 hectares, with vines planted at elevations between 456 and 530 meters, contributing to the wine's elegance and finesse.
• 🏆 The 1995 vintage received high praise, including a 96-point rating from Vinous, highlighting its power, richness, and opulence without heaviness.
• 🏰 Castello di Ama, established in the 1970s, is renowned for its dedication to quality and innovation, making the Vigneto Bellavista a benchmark for Chianti Classico wines.

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.