Castello dei Rampolla

Maurizia di Napoli Rampolla und ihr Bruder Luca bezeichnen ihre Strategie des naturnahen Weinbaus als "sanfte Landwirtschaft". Der sehr gelungene Chianti Classico mit sauberem Fruchtbouquet, präzisem Geschmack und festem Tannin ist ein jedes Jahr streng limitierter Hochgenuss. SUPERIORE.DE

"Rampolla's 2017 Chianti Classico is a powerful, dense wine that shows all of the natural richness of the year. Super-ripe dark cherry, spice, licorice, new leather and lavender give the 2017 its decidedly flamboyant personality. I would prefer to give the 2017 a few years in bottle, but there is plenty to look forward to. Today, the Chianti Classico is youthfully exuberant and full of promise. Sadly, production is down by 50% because of frost in May, hail in August and then dehydration on the vine later that month." Vinous

"The nose of this Chianti Classico is unique, with abundant fresh rose petals, orange zest and lemon peel. Medium-bodied and very lithe yet firm on the palate. Elegant and very taut and tangy on the finish. So well done in a challenging vintage." James Suckling

"Plum, fragrant blue flower, leather and ripe berry are just some of the aromas you'll find on this fragrant, delicious wine. It's chewy and enveloping but also boasts a weightless elegance, delivering juicy Marasca cherry, cranberry compote, licorice and tobacco while velvety fine-grained tannins offer polished support." Wine Enthusiast

Maurizia di Napoli Rampolla und ihr Bruder Luca bezeichnen ihre Strategie des naturnahen Weinbaus als "sanfte Landwirtschaft". Der sehr gelungene Chianti Classico mit sauberem Fruchtbouquet, präzisem Geschmack und festem Tannin ist ein jedes Jahr streng limitierter Hochgenuss. SUPERIORE.DE

"The Castello dei Rampolla 2018 Chianti Classico shows some softness and extra ripeness with dark fruit and plum followed by savory smoke and spice. This wine is an expression of the one and only Panzano in Chianti, a promising subzone in the larger Chianti Classico appellation with panoramic views awash in soft golden light at the end of each glorious day. To the palate, the wine delivers rich, mid-weight intensity with more textured and succulent flavors to follow. This wine is just lovely, especially when tasted right out of the gate when those cherry and blackberry tones are at their brightest." Robert Parker

"A wonderful young Chianti Classico with aromas and flavors of black cherries, dark chocolate, wet earth and black truffle. It’s full-bodied with creamy and juicy tannins and a long, flavorful finish." James Suckling

"The 2018 Chianti Classico is fabulous. Deep, rich and super-expressive, the 2018 captures the essence of the house style, with a dollop of Cabernet Sauvignon that adds both complexity and structural intensity. Black cherry, plum, licorice, lavender and dried herbs are kicked up a few notches. This is an especially rich style for the year, but it works so well." Vinous

Trebianco ist ein goldgelber und in der Amphore ausgebauter sogenannter "Orangewein" aus Trebbiano, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc und Gewürztraminer. Im Bouquet Anklänge von süßem Tabak, Muskatnuss, Leder, Orangenschale und würzigen Kräutern. Am Gaumen frisch mit einer vibrierenden Säure. Hinweis: Der Wein ist ungeschwefelt, unfiltriert und faszinierend speziell. Eine oxidative Note und auch Trubstoffe im Wein stellen keinen Qualitätsmangel dar. SUPERIORE.DE

"The Castello dei Rampolla 2019 Trebianco di S. Lucia (made without added sulfites) is a blend of Trebbiano, Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay and Traminer. This is a raw and authentic white that smells of the purity of the grapes, and the soils of Tuscany scooped up into your hands on a warm sunny day. The wine is redolent of orchard fruit, honey, dried apricot, saffron spice and waxy apple or pear. Background notes of baked terracotta, crushed rock and even a touch of brown sugar appear in moderation. This white wine has the texture and fiber to pair with fried chicken or filet di baccalà (codfish sticks)." Robert Parker

"A substantial white with salt, wood, lees-stir and cooked-apple character. Full-bodied. No sulfur added. Very cool and fun to taste with serious winemaking behind it. An unfiltered blend." James Suckling

Diese ohne Sulfit-Zusatz abgefüllte Sangiovese-Rarität wird nur in den besten Jahrgängen produziert und reift 16 Monate in der Terracotta-Amphore. Kompakte Farbe, fruchtiges, leicht animalisches Bouquet nach Erdbeere, Kirsche, Karamell und Schwarzbrot. Sehr saftig am Gaumen, mit ausreichender Belüftung ein puristischer und zugleich außerordentlich schmackhafter Genuss. Die Produktionsmenge beträgt gerade einmal 2.400 Flaschen. SUPERIORE.DE

"Rampolla's 2018 Sangiovese di Santa Lucia is 100% Sangiovese done in cocciopesto (a mix of clay and cement), which brings out the wine's intense aromatics and fruitiness. There is terrific immediacy to the 2018, but it is a wine I would prefer to drink sooner rather than later in order to enjoy its intense, explosive flavors. A burst of dark red/purplish fruit, lavender, spice and licorice builds into the boisterous finish." Vinous

Diese ohne Sulfit-Zusatz abgefüllte Sangiovese-Rarität wird nur in den besten Jahrgängen produziert und reift 16 Monate in der Terracotta-Amphore. Kompakte Farbe, fruchtiges, leicht animalisches Bouquet nach Erdbeere, Kirsche, Karamell und Schwarzbrot. Sehr saftig am Gaumen, mit ausreichender Belüftung ein puristischer und zugleich außerordentlich schmackhafter Genuss. Die Produktionsmenge beträgt gerade einmal 2.400 Flaschen. SUPERIORE.DE

"The 2019 Sangiovese di Santa Lucia is Rampolla's red done in amphora, with no SO2. Bright, punchy and full of character, the Sangiovese is a wine of notable personality, I would prefer to drink it sooner rather than later, while the fruit remains vibrant. Sweet floral, spice and game notes, along with that touch of reduction wines in amphora show, add to its personality." Vinous

"Flaunting its purity and unmistakable primary intensity, the Castello dei Rampolla 2019 Sangiovese di S. Lucia gives us all a little lesson in Sangiovese. If you look at the textbooks, this mighty Tuscan grape is often said to be redolent of wild berries, soil, rusty nail and blue flower. Low and behold, those are precisely the aromas you get. This vintage hits the nail squarely on the head and delivers a classic portrait. Earthy aromas of red brick and clay play a leading role. Indeed, the wine is fermented on the skins in amphorae." Robert Parker

Mit dem Jahrgang 2018 wurde bei Rampolla erstmals eine kleine Menge Merlot separat vinifiziert, benannt nach der Mutter Donna Liù. Der unfiltrierte Wein wurde 12 Monate in der Terracotta-Amphore ausgebaut und ist fast auf 0 g/l Restzucker durchgegoren. Sehr elegante, frische Nase nach Sauerkirsche, Lorbeer und Cassis. Am Gaumen frisch und ohne die zum Teil überbordende Opulenz manch anderer toskanischer Merlots, mit einer präzisen Kirschfrucht und salzig-minziger Komponente. Ein fein-ziselierter Merlot und in puncto Frische, Klarheit und Persönlichkeit kaum zu überbieten. SUPERIORE.DE

"The 2018 Merlot Liu' is a new wine in this range that emerges from some of the newer plantings on the estate. Dark fruit, grilled herbs, menthol and licorice open up first, followed by a range of earthy, savory notes that give the wine so much character and distinctiveness. This is serious Merlot. I would give it a year or two in bottle, as the tannins are pretty imposing today. Think of it as a bridge between the Chianti Classico and the dual flagships Sammarco and d'Alceo." Vinous

"Here's a new wine from this historic estate in Panzano in Chianti. A pure expression of Merlot, the Castello dei Rampolla 2018 Liù moves slowly in the glass, swirling around at its own pace, showing the extra richness and softness of the variety. The wine is saturated and dense, packed tight with dried blackberry, plum and crème de cassis. Light touches of spice, smoke and mahogany appear at the back, but not in an overpowering or heavy-handed manner. The wine is firmly structured at the back, holding all that abundant fruit in balance. You would do well to give the wine a few more years to unwind and soften." Robert Parker

Hochkarätiger Roter aus überwiegend Cabernet Sauvignon mit unverkennbar toskanischen Wurzeln glänzt mit reifem Fruchtbouquet und Aromen von grüner Paprika, Leder und einem Hauch Kräuterwürze. Solide wirkt der Geschmack, in dem das knackige Tannin hervorragend in die mächtige Struktur eingegliedert ist. Grandioser Genuss, der sich weit ausbreitet und bis in das lange Finale steigert. SUPERIORE.DE

"The violet, blackberry and sandalwood character is impressive. Medium to full body, firm and silky tannins and a fresh and clean finish. Linear and structured." James Suckling

"The 2014 Sammarco is distinctly savory and nervous in this vintage, both reflections of the cool growing season that favored Cabernet Sauvignon over the other varieties in the blend. Sweet tobacco, grilled herbs, red cherry, menthol and dried flowers struggle to fully emerge, as the 2014 remains a touch compact today. Hints of rose petal and mint add a touch of freshness to this mid-weight, yet deeply expressive Sammarco. The 2014 is going to need time to fully emerge, but I expect it will always be a relatively understated Sammarco." VINOUS

"The 2014 Sammarco was bottled in August and will be released in January 2019. The blend is 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot and 5% Sangiovese. At this young stage, the wine already offers an impressive array of complex aromas with dark berry, spice and grilled herb neatly overlapping. Those tones are delivered with perfume-like grace and intensity. This vintage is streamlined and compact in terms of mouthfeel, and those youthful tannins remind us that this wine will award the best results to those who have the patience to wait." Robert Parker

Hochkarätiger Roter aus überwiegend Cabernet Sauvignon mit unverkennbar toskanischen Wurzeln glänzt mit reifem Fruchtbouquet und Aromen von grüner Paprika, Leder und einem Hauch Kräuterwürze. Solide wirkt der Geschmack, in dem das knackige Tannin hervorragend in die mächtige Struktur eingegliedert ist. Grandioser Genuss, der sich weit ausbreitet und bis in das lange Finale steigert. SUPERIORE.DE

"The 2012 Sammarco is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Sangiovese and Merlot. Like with the d'Alceo, this hot vintage does not deliver the same soaring intensity and complexity as seen in past years. It shows added softness and succulence instead. The bouquet is driven by sweet fruit and dried berry aromas that underline the warm vintage. Allspice, clove and more sweet fruit appear on the close." Robert Parker

"Very perfumed with black currant and cassis bush character. Medium to full body, fine and chewy tannins and a long and flavorful finish. Still a little tight but fun to taste now." James Suckling

Vigna d'Alceo '09 ist ein Cabernet Sauvignon mit geringem Anteil Petit Verdot der Extraklasse. Im Bouquet üppige, saubere Fruchtaromen. Beeindruckend seine Harmonie, kraftstrotzend und doch mit viel Eleganz. Ein formvollendeter Tropfen mit Wertsteigerungspotenzial! SUPERIORE.DE

"A super generous red with spices, meat and berry character. Full body with round and velvety tannins. Rich and generous. Gorgeous wine. A blend of cabernet sauvignon and petite verdot." James Suckling

"Leuchtendes, sattes Rubinviolett. Eröffnet in der Nase mit rauchig-mineralischen Noten, dann viel pralle Frucht, nach Holunderbeeren und Brombeeren, einladend. Zeigt sich am Gaumens geschliffen, öffnet sich mit viel feinmaschigem, sattem Tannin, baut sich lange auf, viel saftige Frucht, satter Druck im Finale." Falstaff

"The 2009 D'Alceo is quite a bit firmer and more structured than the Sammarco. An exotic melange of dark cherries, plums, grilled herbs, cassis and new leather emerges from the glass, backed up by tons of structure. Over the last few months, the 2009 d'Alceo has softened a bit, releasing expressive, floral aromatics and brighter shades of fruit. This is a wonderfully deep, resonant d'Alceo. The 2009 will drink well with minimum cellaring within the context of prior vintages. According to Luca di Napoli, the trick to 2009 was harvesting on the early side. Judging by this effort, I would say Rampolla nailed the vintage." VINOUS

Einer der seit Jahrzehnten unumstrittenen Spitzenweine der Region, der mit französischer Eleganz und internationalem Flair vor allem sein Chianti-Terroir überzeugend vertritt. Konzentrierte Farbe, weiter, komplexer Duft, der von lieblichen Beerenaromen zu zart-würzigen Nelken- und Zimtnuancen und schließlich zu sehr frischen Mentholakzenten wechselt. Beinahe cremig in seiner weichen Art der gehaltvolle, ausschweifende Geschmack. SUPERIORE.DE

"The 2011 D'Alceo is a stunning blend of 85% Cabernet Sauvignon with 15% Petit Verdot. The bouquet is perfumed and enticing with dark rose, cherry fruit, spice, leather, cola, grilled herb and so much more. Fruit comes from a six-hectare single vineyard (whereas fruit for the Sanmarco represents a special selection from various vineyards.) The intensity and purity is what sets this wine part. Both are impeccable. In the mouth, D'Alceo feels long, linear and meaningful. Castello dei Rampolla practices biodynamic farming." Robert Parker

"The 2011 d'Alceo is fascinating to taste next to the Sammarco, as it is much more open-knit, silky and expressive. Cherry jam, pomegranate, spice and new leather flesh out in the glass. The integration of fruit, tannin and acidity is further along than in the Sammarco. The 2011 d'Alceo should open up pretty early, which should be welcome news to readers cellaring some of the more tannic vintages. I expect the 2011 will provide readers with a long drinking window of pure pleasure." VINOUS

"This is very firm and dense with fantastic structure and a superb depth of fruit and silky tannins. Full body showing a core of ripe fruit featuring currants and blackberries. Minerals and fresh mushrooms to add." James Suckling

D'Alceo ist jedes Jahr ein umwerfend attraktiver Wein, der mit französischer Eleganz und internationalem Flair vor allem sein Chianti-Terroir überzeugend vertritt. Konzentrierte Farbe, weiter, komplexer Duft, der von lieblichen Beerenaromen zu zart-würzigen Nelken- und Zimtnuancen und schließlich zu sehr frischen Mentholakzenten wechselt. Beinahe cremig in seiner weichen Art der gehaltvolle, ausschweifende Geschmack. SUPERIORE.DE

"Fruit for this wine always comes from the same vineyard site, and production was heavily reduced in this difficult vintage. If an average year sees 13,000 bottles made, only 6,200 bottles were made of the 2014 d'Alceo. This wine shows beautiful brightness and linearity with a polished, almost glossy texture that feels like silk on the palate. The wine is mostly Cabernet Sauvignon with a smaller part Petit Verdot. It offers a mid-weight texture with balanced tannins and acidity to seal the deal." Robert Parker

"Wonderful aromas of crushed raspberries, blueberries and violets follow through to a full body, firm and silky tannins and a flavorful finish. Joyful 2014!" James Suckling

"The 2014 d'Alceo is more in line with previous years than Sammarco. Deep, unctuous and super-powerful, the 2014 exudes richness and textural intensity from the very first taste. Readers will have to give the 2014 at least a few years in bottle to help some of the baby fat meld away. Inky blue/purplish berry fruit, sage, mint and lavender are some of the many notes that start to emerge as the wine sits in the glass. This is a terrific effort for the vintage." VINOUS

Konzentrierte Farbe, weiter, komplexer Duft, der von lieblichen Beerenaromen zu zart-würzigen Nelken- und Zimtnuancen und schließlich zu sehr frischen Mentholakzenten wechselt. Beinahe cremig in seiner weichen Art der gehaltvolle, ausschweifende Geschmack. D'Alceo ist jedes Jahr ein umwerfend attraktiver Wein, der mit französischer Eleganz und internationalem Flair vor allem sein Chianti-Terroir überzeugend vertritt. SUPERIORE.DE

"Truffle, leather, crushed violet, mature blueberry and molten chocolate aromas meld together on this full-bodied red. A savory, earthy blend of 85% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Petit Verdot, the smooth palate offers mature blueberry, blackberry and clove aromas punctuated with hints of game. Velvety tannins provide polished support." Wine Enthusiast

"This is a big and self-assured red with lots of charcoal, vanilla, dried blackberries, barbecued meat and resin. Full-bodied and very chewy indeed with a ton of dark fruit and raw power. A delicate line of acidity pulls the brakes on. Drink in 2027!" James Suckling

"Featuring concentrated flavors of blackberry, black currant, earth and leafy underbrush, this red is wrapped in a shroud of stiff tannins that upsets the balance a little. Nevertheless, this will come into its own with decanting, a little aging in bottle or paired with grilled steak or lamb. Delivers excellent intensity, energy and length." Wine Spectator

"Dark, powerful and explosive, D'Alceo is one of the epic wines of 2015. Crème de cassis, plum, graphite, sage, lavender, and menthol rush out of the glass in a deep, beautifully resonant wine loaded with class. A wine with striking inner sweetness, depth and structure, the 2015 will thrill readers lucky enough to own it for a number of years to come. The 2015 was fermented in cement and then spent 14 months in oak. It is rich, sumptuous and simply irresistible." Vinous