Castello di Ama, Chianti Classico, Italy 2016

“It is hard to go wrong with Tuscan wines from the classic 2016 vintage, and this fact is apparent even with an entry-level wine such as the 2016 Chianti Classico Ama. Both the 2015 and the 2016 vintages are excellent, with 2015 showing more muscle power and 2016 showing higher elegance. This beautiful wine is fresh and bright in delivery with red cherry, plum and wild berry. The wine comes alive in the mouth, thanks to that crisp acidity. Fruit for this wine comes from the estate’s younger vines that are up to eight years old.”-92WA, 2018-2024

Castello di Ama sits 12 miles northeast of Siena in the hills of Gaiole. This is the heart of Chianti Classico, a bucolic rolling landscape of woods, vineyards and olive groves. The property is owned and operated by the husband and wife team of Marco Pallanti and Lorenza Sebasti. Over the last quarter century they have replanted all of the vineyards and upgraded all of the winemaking capabilities to make this one of Tuscany’s showcase producers.