Ampeleia is one of the stars of the Tuscan coast.....At their best, the Ampeleia wines are among the most pure, transparent expressions of the coast readers will find. Elisabetta Foradori and her team are doing important work here. Ampeleia is a young estate. There is every reason to believe the best is yet to come." --Antonio Galloni, September 2014 Ampeleia was born in 2002 from the collaboration and friendship between Elisabetta Foradori, Thomas Widmann, and Giovanni Podini; they saw in Ampeleia a place where they could not only develop an agricultural project but also fulfill a common vision. The project aspires to represent the inherent diversity and huge potential of this particular area of Maremma, the "Colline Metallifere," which are not the coastal lowlands one usually associates with the Maremma, but mineral-rich hills that have been mined since Etruscan times. The estate results from the purchase of different plots of land, located far apart and on different altitude levels, with the precise aim of creating a great variability in altitude, soil type and microclimatic conditions; each vineyard has a distinctive identity that is enhanced by the uniqueness of the surrounding environment. Variety is the keystone and soul of Ampeleia. In fact, variety represents the project's constant quality, both physically and symbolically, and is harmoniously expressed in its wines that taste of the varied lands of the area around the village of Roccatederighi. Many of the grape varieties that have been planted in Ampeleia are common in Mediterranean farmlands. In past times, vineyards were not planted with just one grape variety but many types of grapes were present and they were all harvested at the same time; the vineyards at Ampeleia reflect this tradition. Within this diversity, the estate focuses on Cabernet Franc (planted in the early 1960s) and Alicante Nero, a distinctly Tuscan biotype of Grenache. Though Ampeleia owns around 130 hectares of land, only 35 hectares are planted to vine, in an attempt to keep the landscape intact to promote biodiversity. The Three Altitudes: Ampeleia di Sopra: 70 hectares, 15 under vine; this is the largest land unit of the estate. Placed between 450 and 600 meters above sea level, it is mainly planted with Cabernet Franc. The landscape here is dominated by chestnut groves. Ampeleia di Mezzo: 35 hectares, 10 under vine. This is the land of Sangiovese. Divided into small plots that range from 250 to 350 meters above sea level, the vineyards, surrounded by cork oak woods and Mediterranean scrubland, are planted with Carignan, Grenache and Sangiovese. Ampeleia di Sotto: 15 hectares, 10 under vine. This section of the estate includes the plots closest to the sea, and are the most distinctly Mediterranean in character. The vineyards, found around 200 meters above sea level, are planted with traditional Mediterranean grape varieties, mainly Grenache.
Predominately Alicante Nero (Grenache), Sangiovese, Carignano, Mourvèdre and Alicante Bouschet. The 2021 keeps it's exuberant and joyful character, showing lively red fruit and citrus
James Suckling 93 "A beautiful, pure red with blue fruit and minerality. Notes of slate and sage, too. Medium to full body. Firm tannins and a
100 Carignan (aka Carignano), this bottling is part of the "Monovarietali" project that is emerging from the property's single-varietal plots as they reach maturity. Lazer-focused
In the glass, it's a fairly dark ruby color that implies a big, hearty red - but don't be fooled! There's aromas of black
A dynamite expression of Alicante Nero, more commonly known across the Mediterranean as Grenache in France, Cannonau in the neighboring island of Sardinia, and Garnacha
Produced from varieties originating from the Mediterranean Basin mainly Alicante (also known as Grenache, Cannonau or Garnacha) but also Carignano, Mourvedre, Sangiovese and Alicante
80 Carignano, 20 Alicante Nero (aka Grenache). This is the 1st Rosato from Ampeleia! The Carignano was direct-pressed and then whole clusters of
A glorious color along the lines of pale cider. And the aromatics are also indicative of apple as well as pear. In the mouth it
A reasonably dark ruby-red in color with aromas of black cherries, blueberries and figs. On the palate, bright, fresh and smooth with notes of sweet
Delicate and elegantly silky on the palate, with a nuanced tone of fruit and perfectly put together in its overall balance. Crushed raspberries, rose petals
Fresh and nervy minerality expertly appear alongside dried tropical fruit. A great starter-orange if you're new to the world of skin-contacted wines. Enjoy for refreshment
Wine Spectator 92 "Aromas and flavors of violet, blackberry, cherry and sweet spices mark this fluid, firmly structured red. Taut and balanced, with fine length and
James Suckling 94 "A rich and juicy red with cherries, strawberries, fruit tea and a hint of leather on the nose and the palate. Medium to
Vinous Media 92 "...a bold, pungent wine. Wild and at times a bit unrestrained, Ampeleia has a lot going on. Sweet red cherry, herb, rose petal
James Suckling 96 "Very pretty aromas of dark fruits with rosemary and sea-like undertones. Full-bodied, layered and dense, yet there's an underlying energy that brings you
Wine Spectator 92 "This perfumy red exudes floral, raspberry, strawberry and mineral flavors, matched to a silky texture. Harmonious and long, presenting a fresh, bracing feel
Wine Advocate 94 "The 2009 Ampeleia is the most striking wine I have ever tasted from Ampeleia. A blast of rich, dark fruit hits the palate,
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