Ampeleia IGT 2019

Ampeleia is the top wine and namesake of the winery in Maremma. Cabernet Franc is the identity-giving grape variety that, according to Ampeleia, delivers unique qualities in southern Tuscany. Roccatederighi and Cabernet Franc have a rare synergy that gave birth to the winery in 2002. The cuvée of once six grape varieties is now limited to Cabernet Franc alone. The vineyards for the Ampeleia are distributed around the winery, stand on clay-limestone soils and extend over different altitudes. After manual harvesting, the grapes with a proportion of 15% whole clusters ferment spontaneously before the wines mature for another 12 months in wooden barrels.

Dark purple with black core and violet reflections.

The 2019 Ampeleia from Società Agricola Ampeleia is generous on the nose with an expansive hedonistic character. The fundamental black cherry and dark mulberry form the fruity foundation, framed by fine woody spice, sandalwood and vetiver. Flavours of dark spices such as black pepper, allspice and thyme, black cardamom and wild service berry build a bridge back to the fruit. Despite its open-hearted nature, Ampeleia invariably and unmistakably demands to be decanted in its youth.

The youthful tannins are fleshy and firm, so that you think you could chew it. Animatingly tart, they tilt aromatically into sweetness and build a bridge to the dark fruit, which is also youthful here, i.e. comparatively disciplined. The fruit on the nose is also reflected on the palate and is lined with animating tannins. This gives it its rapid drinkability, a characteristic that characterises good wines regardless of their prestige Flow! Ethereally cool, long finish.