Ampeleia Ampeleia 2016 (750ML)

94+ WA / 93 JS / 93 WS

The 2016 Ampeleia is an organic expression of Cabernet Franc made with 10% whole-cluster fruit and fermented in a combination of large oak casks and cement. Fruit is drawn from a high-altitude site with calcareous clay soils, representing the best of Roccatederighi (the town where this winery is located). This vintage reveals sharpness and focus with cherry, wild berry and cassis. At the back, it offers distinctive notes of licorice, tar and crushed stone. The aromas fall together with exceptional precision. This is a production of 20,000 bottles. - Monica Larner, Wine Advocate

A beautiful, pure red with blue fruit and minerality. Notes of slate and sage, too. Medium to full body. Firm tannins and a fresh, bright finish. From organically grown grapes. Drink or hold. - James Suckling

Dark and brooding, with buried, smoldering flavors of blackberry and black currant that are shrouded in dense yet polished tannins, plus notes of iron, tobacco and wild herbs. This should unravel nicely over the next few years. Think roasted or grilled lamb and beef. -Bruce Sanderson, Wine Spectator

Ampeleia represents the origin and the evolution of the winery. Until 2014 it was mainly Cabernet Franc with a small portion of Sangiovese. Since the 2015's vintage, Ampeleia is the harmonious union of the different parcel of Cabernet Franc in Ampeleia di Sopra (450-600m asl).
Ampeleia is the best expression of Roccatederighi’s terroir.

Technical data
• Grape Varieties: 100% Cabernet Franc
• Elevation: from 450 to 600 m above sea level
• Yield/ha: 30 hl
• Ageing: 12 months in wooden barrels and concrete tanks, at least 2 years in the bottle