Castello dei Rampolla Sammarco
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Castello
dei Rampolla Sammarco :
[kahs-tehl-lo day (l)ram-pol-lah]
Next to the legendary “aia” trio of Sassicaia,
Ornellaia, and Solaia, resides the overshadowed wines
of Castello dei Rampolla. Absent here are the marketing
prowess and glitz, but the estate’s Sammarco bottling
enjoys status as one of the most highly regarded wines
of Toscana.
Castello dei Rampolla’s cellars—situated
near Panzano in the heart of the Chianti Classico
zone—date back to the 13th century. Since 1739,
the di Napoli family has owned and managed this legendary
wine estate, which comprises 128 hectares. The vineyards
are particularly conducive to the growth of Sangiovese,
as their properties endow the grapes with the capacity
for long-term aging. The di Napoli family pursues
a viticultural regimen that weds biodynamic production
in the vineyard with the operation of a modern cellar.
Castello dei Rampolla’s founder, Alceo di Napoli
Rampolla, endured fierce criticism for advocating
the synergy between the Panzano area of Chianti and
the varietal of Cabernet Sauvignon, a position that
received initial validation in the 1980 debut of his
first Super-Tuscan, Sammarco, a predominantly Cabernet-based
blend (95% Cabernet Sauvignon & 5% Sangiovese)
that he conceived in cooperation with Giacomo Tachis.
Upon release, Sammarco is typically dark purple in
color with ruby highlights; on the palate, it displays
a taut structure, yet the palate’s depth and
concentration gives the impression of a youth engaged
in serious contemplation. Nevertheless, it is inveritably
a wine of profound structure that requires several
years to reach a full state of maturity.
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Wine: Super-Tuscan
Producer: Castello
dei Rampolla
Varietal(s): Cabernet Sauvignon, Sangiovese
Region: Toscana
Province: Firenze
Commune: Greve in Chainti
Altitude: 300 meters
Exposure: South, Southwest
Classification: Toscana IGT
First Year: 1980
Bottle Production: 30,000
More Landmark Wines:
Antinori Tignanello
Antinori Solaia
Sassicaia
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