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SKU 848115
$28.50/bottle
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Black-skinned fruit, new leather, tilled earthy and blue flower aromas mingle with camphor on this fragrant, enticing red. Fresh and savory, the elegant, full-bodied palate doles out ripe black plum, juicy Morello cherry, licorice and tobacco alongside polished tannins that give it a velvety texture. Fresh acidity lends brightness and balance. Drink 2022–2028.
The name of this grape, meaning 'blood of Jove' conjures up evocative images of long dead civilizations, and gives the Sangiovese varietal a sense of the holy, the sacred, the special. Indeed, this particular type of Italian grape has been cultivated and processed for thousands of years, and is said to be the original favorite grape varietal of the Romans, and the Etruscans before them. Throughout history, vintners have continued to plant this varietal, and they continue to produce wonderful wines to this day. The long bunches of very dark, round fruit are treasured by fine wineries in Italy and a few other places around the world, and when young, these grapes are lively – full of strawberry flavors and a little spiciness. However, it is when they are aged in oak that they take on some truly special flavors and aromas, as seen in some of the finest wines of the Old World.
Country
Italy
There are few countries in the world with a viticultural history as long or as illustrious as that claimed by Italy. Grapes were first being grown and cultivated on Italian soil several thousand years ago by the Greeks and the Pheonicians, who named Italy 'Oenotria' – the land of wines – so impressed were they with the climate and the suitability of the soil for wine production. Of course, it was the rise of the Roman Empire which had the most lasting influence on wine production in Italy, and their influence can still be felt today, as much of the riches of the empire came about through their enthusiasm for producing wines and exporting it to neighbouring countries. Since those times, a vast amount of Italian land has remained primarily for vine cultivation, and thousands of wineries can be found throughout the entire length and breadth of this beautiful country, drenched in Mediterranean sunshine and benefiting from the excellent fertile soils found there. Italy remains very much a 'land of wines', and one could not imagine this country, its landscape and culture, without it.
Region
Tuscany
The central Italian region of Tuscany is widely understood to be one of the world's most famous and highly regarded wine regions. The beautiful rolling hillsides and medieval towns and castles which are a key feature of the area are also home to many of Europe's finest wineries, and extremely high quality vineyards growing the distinctive Sangiovese and Vernaccia grape varietals which are the flavorful backbone of Tuscany's wonderful red and white wines. For almost three thousand years, this region has been recognized as an ideal home for wine production on a large scale, and the ancient Etruscans, Greeks and Romans all noticed that fine grape varietals flourished on the unique soils and under the hot sunshine which typifies the area. Today, Tuscany is home to a wide range of wines, from the traditional to the complex, but all dedicated to excellent flavors and aromas, and maintaining the region's international reputation.
Appellation
Chianti Classico
Chianti Classico stands out for its rich history, exceptional terroir, and distinctive winemaking traditions. Centered around the Sangiovese grape, these wines are renowned for their vibrant acidity, lively cherry and floral notes, and a signature earthy character. What sets it apart is the stringent production regulations, requiring a minimum of 80% Sangiovese, ensuring a regional identity. The iconic black rooster on the label symbolizes the commitment to quality, distinguishing Chianti Classico from other Chianti subzones.
The wines undergo a minimum aging period of 12 months, with some oak aging, resulting in a harmonious balance between fruit expression and nuanced complexity. This meticulous approach highlights the region’s dedication to preserving authenticity and showcasing the unique characteristics of its terroir.
WE94pts
Wine Enthusiast
Black-skinned fruit, new leather, tilled earthy and blue flower aromas mingle with camphor on this fragrant, enticing red. Fresh and savory, the elegant, full-bodied palate doles out ripe black plum, juicy Morello cherry, licorice and tobacco alongside polished tannins that give it a velvety texture. Fresh acidity lends brightness and balance. Drink 2022–2028.
JS93pts
James Suckling
A wonderful young Chianti Classico with aromas and flavors of black cherries, dark chocolate, wet earth and black truffle. It’s full-bodied with creamy and juicy tannins and a long, flavorful finish. Drink or hold.
VM93pts
Vinous Media
The 2018 Chianti Classico is fabulous. Deep, rich and super-expressive, the 2018 captures the essence of the house style, with a dollop of Cabernet Sauvignon that adds both complexity and structural intensity. Black cherry, plum, licorice, lavender and dried herbs are kicked up a few notches. This is an especially rich style for the year, but it works so well.
WA92pts
Wine Advocate
The Castello dei Rampolla 2018 Chianti Classico shows some softness and extra ripeness with dark fruit and plum followed by savory smoke and spice. This wine is an expression of the one and only Panzano in Chianti, a promising subzone in the larger Chianti Classico appellation with panoramic views awash in soft golden light at the end of each glorious day. To the palate, the wine delivers rich, mid-weight intensity with more textured and succulent flavors to follow. This wine is just lovely, especially when tasted right out of the gate when those cherry and blackberry tones are at their brightest.
WS92pts
Wine Spectator
Smooth and charming, delivering cherry, strawberry, mineral and tobacco flavors on a graceful frame. This is almost seamless at this young stage and should provide pleasure over the next decade. Drink now through 2030. 2,900 cases made, 625 cases imported.
Winery Notes
Bright ruby red color. The bouquet on the nose is intense, with rich cherry and red berry aromas and leafy undertones. On the palate it is silky, balanced, with medium body, refined tanning and a long flavorful finish of blackberry and chocolate.
