Castello dei Rampolla - d'Alceo 2006

Castello dei Rampolla - d'Alceo 2006 (94+ TSW)

The Tuscan winery Castello Dei Rampolla is located in the valley of the "Conca d'Oro", south of Panzano in Chianti and has been in the family's possession since 1739. History has been written on this estate over the years, however the story of the Rampolla family begins in the mid-1960s with the dream of one man, Alceo di Napoli Rampolla, who wanted to make more than good wine.

The first bottles of Chianti Classico were then produced in 1975. This was at a time when Chianti Classico was struggling to gain the respect it deserved. Alceo then had an idea and followed his intuition. He decided with the help of the great winemaker Giacomo Tachis to be the first in the area to plant Cabernet Sauvignon and mix it with Sangiovese. Just a few years after its inception, this was only the first of the many revolutions of Castello dei Rampolla.

The winery has great faith in nature. That is why they have been practicing biodynamic agriculture for about 20 years.

The grapes are always manually harvested and placed in concrete vats to start the maceration process which generally takes 25-30 days, of which 7-8 days alcoholic fermentation. Subsequently, soft pressing takes place and a peristaltic pump is used. Finally, depending on the variety, the wine is aged in wooden barrels for 12 to 18 months.

About the wine:

This flagship wine is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. (Nowadays its Cab en Petit Verdot)
Aging for 3 months in concrete and 12/15 months in 500 l. tonneaus and 18+ months bottle aging.

In the glass a deep dark ruby red color with purple rim.
On the medium+ nose aromas of black plums, dark cherries and ripe raspberries with hints of tobacco, truffles, liquorice and light cedar, vanilla.
On the palate dry, full-bodied with medium+ tannins and medium acidity. Complex and balanced with concentrated dark fruit, dried flowers, cedar, smoke and mint with a powerful long and elegant finish. Still tight so next bottle I check in 5/10 years.