L'Apparita 2019

Nestled in the heart of Chianti Classico, the L'Apparita vineyard is located on the hills of Gaiole in Chianti, within the Castello di Ama estate. Planted in an amphitheater on clay-limestone soils rich in galestro, it benefits from excellent exposure and significant temperature variations that promote slow and complete grape maturation. Surrounded by forests and olive groves typical of Tuscany, this cru benefits from a well-ventilated and temperate microclimate, ideal for expressing the finesse and depth of Merlot.

Harvesting is done manually with meticulous sorting of the bunches, then the berries are destemmed and crushed before alcoholic fermentation in stainless steel tanks at controlled temperatures, with skin maceration to extract color and structure. Malolactic fermentation then takes place in barrels. Aging continues for a long time in French oak barrels, largely new, to refine the tannins and develop aromatic complexity, before an additional period of rest in bottle at the estate.

This wine reveals notes of black cherry, ripe plum and small dark berries, enhanced by floral touches of violet and rose, as well as spicy nuances of pepper, licorice and clove. Woody accents of cedar, blond tobacco and chocolate complete the bouquet. On the palate, the texture is ample and velvety, supported by fine tannins, balanced acidity and a long, persistent and harmonious finish.

Ah, Italy, what a beautiful, hedonistic country, the land of la dolce vita, but how difficult it is to understand its wine industry! The key to understanding the appellation system in Italy is to think of it as several small countries rather than a single homogeneous nation, as each region has its own appellation system. Italy can offer wine lovers a multitude of wines with varied and unique flavors and styles, bottles brimming with surprise and creativity. Unfortunately, it also produces a large quantity of soulless, characterless wines sold under their most commercially useful and prestigious name: Pinot Grigio, Chianti, Valpolicella, Lambrusco, Prosecco, and many others... But let's talk a little history. Viticulture in Italy dates back to antiquity and originated in Greece. The Etruscans are said to have introduced the vine, and Greek immigrants improved and modified the grape varieties, subsequently calling the country "Oenotria": the land of wine. At the height of the Roman Empire, wine held an important place in daily life, and certain regions already distinguished themselves by the excellence of their product. The Romans also established numerous vineyards in Europe, leaving an indelible mark of their conquest. Today, Italy is the world's largest wine producer, ahead of France. Italy is divided into three climatic zones. The northern mountains have a rather harsh mountain climate. The plains of the "central boot" are characterized by a continental climate with cold winters and hot, stormy summers. In the southern part of the Italian boot, the Mediterranean climate prevails, with very hot and dry summers, not forgetting the islands of Sicily and Sardinia. In short, Italy produces a wide variety of wines thanks to its 200 different grape varieties, many of which originated in its own lands. It is a country as complex as its wines, which deserve to be explored!