The 2020 Chianti Classico is Sangiovese with small parts Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. This is a lovely wine with a level of punchiness, brightness and inner energy that is never easy to achieve, especially in a warm vintage such as this. That's the Panzano magic, enhanced in this case by the estate's non-interventionist winemaking philosophy. You'll love to drink this entry-level wine no matter what your personal preference in Sangiovese style.
93 POINTS WINE ADVOCATE
93 POINTS JAMES SUCKLING
91 POINTS ANTONIO GALLONI
Rampolla is located in the heart of the Conca d’Oro, a bowl shaped valley below Panzano and recognised as one of Italy’s greatest terroirs. The land here has been in the family since 1739, but vines were not planted until the end of the 1960s, when Alceo di Napoli Rampolla inherited the estate.
In the late 1970’s, Alceo, with the help of Giacomo Tachis (who created Sassicaia), planted the first Cabernet vines and in 1980 the first vintage of the now legendary Sammarco was made. Biodynamic since 1994, the estate is run by Alceo’s children Luca and Maurizia and in 1996 Vigna d’Alceo was added, a highly concentrated biodynamic Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot blend.
Winemaking is very natural and virtually no sulphur is used, indeed in most vintages since 2010, an IGT Sangiovese has been made, fermented and aged in amphorae and with no added sulphur, whilst Luca is also currently experimenting with orange wines. In all there are 42 hectares of vineyards producing 12,000 cases in an average
Pairing Suggestions: Classic Bistecca Fiorentina
Maturation: 8 months: concrete tanks. 12 months: oak barrels 12 no toast / medium toast. 6 months: bottle.