Castello dei Rampolla - Sammarco Toscana 2019

This historic estate owned by the Di Napoli family since 1964 is situated in Panzano’s Conca d’Oro. Selling its first estate bottles in 1975, Castello dei Rampolla emerged as one of a hand-full of producers who played a major role in the revival of the Chianti Classico. Characterized by innovative and rigorous production strategies, biodynamic methods have been used in the vineyards since 1994. Castello dei Rampolla wines have become cult favorites for their consistency and authenticity.

The name Sammarco is in honor of Marco di Napoli, brother of Maurizia and Luca. Sammarco is the original biodynamic Super-Tuscan. Although we tend to position this Cabernet powerhouse after names like Sassicaia, Solaia, and Ornellaia, Sammarco actually predated Ornellaia (1980) and boasts the same winemaking talent behind that “aia” trio—Giacomo Tachis. This is one of the pioneering Tuscan blends that privileges craftsmanship and quality, establishing its credentials absent the instruments of media and marketing. Family owned and operated, Castello dei Rampolla pursues an artisanal approach that includes the practice of organic winemaking, hand selection of grapes, and cultivation of low yields.

Dense ruby-purple color. Intense, intriguing nose of high class cigar tobacco intermixed with smoke, minerals, black currants, and vanilla. The palate is dense, medium- to full-bodied, with superb richness, purity, and overall harmony.

Varietal composition: 90% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Sangiovese and 5% Merlot Fermentation container: Concrete vats. Maceration technique: On the skins for 30 days. Type of aging container: French oak barriques, oak barrels of 30 HL and tonneaux of 500 L. Aging before bottle: 14-16 months. Length of bottle aging: 24 months

"The 2019 Sammarco is a very pretty elegant wine with gorgeous aromatic intensity from the Cabernet Sauvignon that makes up the majority of the blend this year. Sweet pipe tobacco cedar mint dried cherry incense and crushed leaves lend notable aromatic presence to this young nascent Sammarco. Time in the glass brings out striking inner perfume and sweetness. In 2019 Sammarco is more finesse than power" - 94 points, Antonio Galloni Vinous

"A blend of (organic and biodynamic) Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot and Sangiovese the 2019 Sammarco is more austere and even robust compared to the punchier style prized throughout this portfolio. This is a firmly grounded wine with a bigger baseline of aromas spanning black fruit baked plum spice tobacco and crushed limestone. You feel the natural concentration of the 2019 vintage and beautifully managed tannins in this wine. This is a release of 25837 bottles and 292 magnums. This is a stunning set of wines from Castello dei Rampolla featuring two excellent vintages: 2019 and 2021. Farming is organic and biodynamic at this celebrated estate" - 96 points, Robert Parker's Wine Advocate

"Currants and black berries with citrus undertones as well as flowers. Medium-bodied with medium velvety tannins and a freshness and brightness. Lots of energy. Cabernet sauvignon, sangiovese and merlot. Drinkable now but better in three or four years." - 96 points, James Suckling

Producer: Castello dei Rampolla

Country: Italy

Region: Tuscany

Varietal: Cabernet Sauvignon, Sangiovese, Merlot

Appellation: Toscana IGT

Vintage: 2019

Size: 750ml