Castello di Ama

Castello di Ama’s rise to prominence began in the 1980s when the estate embarked on a journey to redefine quality winemaking in the region. The arrival of Marco Pallanti, a young agronomist at the time, marked a turning point for the winery. His focus on elevating the quality of the wines, coupled with modern winemaking techniques, led to significant advancements. Under his guidance, Castello di Ama pioneered the production of single-vineyard wines, also known as “cru” wines, such as “Vigneto Bellavista,” “Vigneto San Lorenzo,” “Vigneto La Casuccia,” and “Vigneto Bertinga.” These wines showcase the unique characteristics of the vineyards they come from, setting a new standard for Chianti Classico.

One of the estate’s most remarkable achievements is the creation of “L’Apparita,” a 100% Merlot wine that was among the first in the region to be grafted onto traditional Sangiovese rootstocks. This innovation helped establish Castello di Ama as a pioneer in both vineyard management and winemaking techniques, further cementing its place among Italy’s leading wineries.

The vineyards of Castello di Ama are a vital part of its identity. Spanning 75 hectares, they are located at altitudes between 430 and 520 meters above sea level, spread across four valleys: Bellavista, San Lorenzo, La Casuccia, and Montebuoni. The high elevation and optimal exposure of these vineyards create the perfect conditions for growing high-quality grapes, particularly Sangiovese, the dominant variety in the estate’s Chianti Classico wines.

The vineyards have undergone continuous replanting over the years, incorporating modern viticultural practices and advanced clonal selections. The winery only invests in vineyards close to the winery to ensure that the grapes arrive at the winery in peak condition, allowing for the production of wines with minimal intervention.

A Commitment to Sustainability

Sustainability has always been a core principle at Castello di Ama. The estate’s approach to sustainability is holistic, encompassing environmental, social, and economic aspects. Since 2000, the winery has reduced the need for insecticides, along with the continuous adoption of organic practices and minimising the use of chemical interventions.

In 2022, the winery took its commitment to sustainability a step further by obtaining the Equalitas certification, which ensures that the entire wine supply chain operates in an environmentally and socially responsible manner. The estate has also pledged to produce wines with zero synthetic chemical residue. Outside the vineyards, the winery also implemented a photovoltaic system (aka solar panels) to generate renewable energy and further reduce its carbon footprint starting in 2024.

A People-Centric Approach

Sustainability is not only about the environment but also the social-economic factor. At the heart of Castello di Ama’s philosophy, they believe human capital is just as important as the land itself. The estate employs over 60 people, all of whom are integral to the vineyard’s daily operations. Uniquely, Castello di Ama does not rely on external contractors, ensuring that all vineyard work is done by individuals with a deep understanding of the estate’s ethos and commitment to quality. The winery continually invests in state-of-the-art equipment that enhances the skills of its workforce while reducing the physical toll of vineyard work.

From its sustainable practices and pioneering winemaking techniques, the estate has earned its reputation as one of the finest producers in Chianti Classico. The collaborative efforts of Marco Pallanti and Lorenza Sebasti have propelled the estate to the forefront of Italian winemaking.