Between San Gimignano and Siena

Chianti Classico, San Gimignano and some Super Tuscans
By Michèle Shah

This Guide was last updated on 30 March 2010
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Wine producers to visit

Castello di Ama

Address: Località Ama, 53013 Gaiole in Chianti (SI)
Tel: 0577 746031  Fax: 0577 746117
Email: info@castellodiama.com
Web: www.castellodiama.com
Geo-coordinates:  Latitude: 43:26:28N (43.44111)    Longitude: 11:23:21E (11.38917) 

Immersed in a mantle of olive-clad hills and vineyards, Castello di Ama, a small 15th century hamlet above Lecchi in Chianti, is patron to one of the most eclectic permanent contemporary collections of art (and its associations with wine) in situ. Marco Pallanti and Lorenza Sebasti’s Chianti Classico and other wines from the estate are among my favourite Tuscan wines because of their terroir character, elegance, depth and longevity. Often drawing on a comparison between wine, music and art, Pallanti states: “an important work of art will live on through time and always have something to relate to the viewer, just as a good bottle of wine will age with style, harmony and balance and still communicate its unique history.” Ama's top labels include Chianti Classico; Castello di Ama; and Sangiovese based single vineyard Vigneto Bellavista and Vigneto la Casuccia produced only in top vintages in limited quantity. The visit includes the cellars and contemporary art collection and takes between around two hours but note no wine tasting available at the estate

Useful information: Visits by appointment only and only on Wednesday and Friday at 10.00 and 14.00. English spoken. Groups accepted (up to 25 people).