description Castello dei Rampolla Overview
Castello dei Rampolla is a wine estate located in the Conca d'Oro area of Panzano in Chianti, Tuscany. The estate has farmed biodynamically since the 1990s and produces wines including Sammarco, a Sangiovese-Cabernet Sauvignon blend first made in 1980, and d'Alceo, a Cabernet Sauvignon-based blend. The property also produces Chianti Classico from its certified organic vineyards.
help Castello dei Rampolla FAQ
When did Castello dei Rampolla start practicing biodynamic farming?
Castello dei Rampolla officially converted to biodynamic agriculture in the mid-1990s, becoming one of the early pioneers of this method in Tuscany. The estate relies on natural composts and lunar cycles to cultivate its vineyards in the Conca d'Oro golden basin of Panzano-in-Chianti.
What grapes are in the Castello dei Rampolla Sammarco?
Sammarco is primarily made from Sangiovese, blended with small amounts of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, and was first produced in 1980. It was one of the original Super Tuscans created before the denomination allowed non-indigenous grapes in Chianti Classico.
What is the d'Alceo blend from Castello dei Rampolla?
D'Alceo is Castello dei Rampolla's flagship Super Tuscan, introduced in 1996 as a tribute to the family's patriarch, Alceo di Napoli. The wine is a Bordeaux-inspired blend dominated by Cabernet Sauvignon and Petit Verdot, known for its massive structure and longevity.
How do natural winemaking techniques affect Castello dei Rampolla wines?
The estate uses wild native yeasts for fermentation and minimal sulfur dioxide, which can lead to highly expressive, sometimes uniquely funky flavor profiles. They also utilize large oak casks and terracotta amphorae to age their wines, avoiding the heavy toast of new French oak barrels.
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