Castello dei Rampolla d'Alceo 2012
Tax included.
Winery: Castello dei Rampolla
Vintage: 2012
Grape: Cabernet Sauvignon & Petit Verdot
Drinking window: 2018 - 2045
Region: Tuscany
Production: 8000 bottles
Note: wine is upon order in advance
THE ITALIAN GRAPE (96)
The Dalceo 2012 is a beautiful expression of the wine, showcasing Alceo's vision. It combines depth with the elegance characteristic of the Chianti region. The wine is already drinking beautifully and is certainly ready to be enjoyed. It is at its peak and will remain so for about another six years, after which its complexity may start to diminish. The finish is long-lasting. Its power is present but balances wonderfully with the acidity. A delight, and one of my favorite wines from the Chianti region!
WINE ENTHUSIAST (96)
Earthy aromas of tilled soil, underbrush, leather, purple flower, cedar and ripe black-skinned berry lead the way on this delicious blend of 85% Cabernet Sauvignon and 15% Petit Verdot. The smooth full-bodied palate doles out juicy blackberry, red currant, licorice, exotic spice, mocha and a hint of game while tightly knit but velvety tannins lend both structure and finesse. It's already compelling but give it time to fully develop.
About the wine
Since 1739, the Rampolla family has owned the agricultural farm Azienda Agricola S. Lucia in Faulle. The family's estate also includes the Castello dei Rampolla, where the farm is located. Alceo di Napoli inherited the estate in 1965. Back then, Rampolla was mostly a summer residence. They grew wheat and other mixed crops, and there was a large olive orchard, but there were no vineyards. In the late sixties, Alceo started planting his first vineyards. These vineyards are situated on both southeast and southwest-facing slopes, at an altitude of around 380 meters above sea level. In 1980, Rampolla produced their first Sammarco harvest, a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Sangiovese. This was during the early days of developing SuperTuscan wines with international grape varieties.
“D’Alceo” truly embodies the character of its originating vineyard. It is intense, warm, refined, and elegant. Well-ripened red fruits blend seamlessly with delicate hints of cigar and tobacco, achieving an impressive concentration without heaviness. This is more than just a wine; it reflects the personality of a vineyard planted by Alceo, the founder of the estate. Alceo could not have foreseen the exceptional excellence that his combination of vines and land would reach. The aging process of this wine begins with 3 months in concrete tanks. It then spends 12-15 months in barriques. Finally, the wine is aged for 18-24 months in the bottle to achieve its full potential. The average production ranges from 6,000 to 12,000 bottles.
Harvest. For winemakers, no other word carries as much potential and anticipation in 2012. After a long growing season filled with tireless work in the vineyards, harvest signifies the moment of truth. Despite the year's relentless efforts, in the end, nature usually has the final say.
