Ama, Castello di
Summary
Castello di Ama, a family-owned estate in Gaiole in Chianti operated by Lorenza Sebasti and winemaker Marco Pallanti since 1988, produces 300,000 bottles annually from 80 hectares of high-altitude vineyards (450-525m) planted predominantly to Sangiovese in the region's characteristic galestro and alberese soils. Their winemaking philosophy balances tradition with precision through separate parcel vinification and thoughtful oak aging, while maintaining low yields of 30-35 hectoliters per hectare to ensure authentic expressions of their historic Chianti Classico terroir.
Heritage & Leadership
Castello di Ama was established in 1972 when a group of families purchased the historic property in the hamlet of Ama, located in Gaiole in Chianti. The estate takes its name from this small medieval village situated approximately 500 meters above sea level in the heart of Tuscany's Chianti Classico region. Since 1988, the winery has been under the leadership of Lorenza Sebasti, whose family was among the original founders, and her husband Marco Pallanti, who joined as winemaker in 1982 after studying enology in Bordeaux. Under their guidance, Castello di Ama has transformed from a neglected property with deteriorating vineyards into one of Chianti Classico's reference-point producers. Pallanti's four decades of winemaking at the estate have earned him recognition throughout Italy, including serving as president of the Chianti Classico Consortium from 2006 to 2012. In 2003, the couple formally took complete ownership of the estate, cementing their family's connection to this historic property.
Vineyards & Wines
Castello di Ama's 80 hectares of vineyards are distributed across four distinct sites surrounding the hamlet of Ama: Bellavista, Casuccia, San Lorenzo, and Montebuoni. These vineyards sit at elevations between 450 and 525 meters above sea level and feature predominantly galestro and alberese soils—the classic limestone-clay mix that defines top Chianti Classico terroir. Sangiovese dominates the plantings at 80%, with complementary plantings of Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Malvasia Bianca. The estate produces a range of wines, including their flagship Chianti Classico Gran Selezione "San Lorenzo," single-vineyard offerings like "La Casuccia" and "Bellavista," and their "L'Apparita"—a 100% Merlot introduced in 1985 that was the first pure Merlot produced in Tuscany. Their white wine production includes "Al Poggio," a Chardonnay-Malvasia blend. They also produce "Haiku," a Sangiovese-Cabernet Franc-Merlot blend that reflects international influences. Each vineyard parcel is vinified separately to preserve its distinctive characteristics, with annual production averaging 300,000 bottles.
Philosophy & Practice
Castello di Ama's winemaking philosophy centers on expressing the unique character of their high-altitude vineyards while balancing tradition with innovation. In the cellar, fermentation takes place in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks, with malolactic fermentation and aging occurring in a combination of French oak barriques and larger oak casks, depending on the wine. The Gran Selezione wines typically age for 12 months in barriques (50% new), followed by additional bottle aging before release. The estate practices sustainable viticulture with minimal intervention, focusing on canopy management and green harvesting to control yields, which average 30-35 hectoliters per hectare. Beyond wine, Castello di Ama has developed a unique identity through its contemporary art project, initiated in 1999, which features site-specific installations from renowned international artists throughout the property. This integration of wine, terroir, and art reflects the owners' holistic approach to preserving and enhancing their historic estate while creating wines that authentically represent their distinctive corner of Chianti Classico.