Wines Unspecified Castello di Ama - Haiku - 2019

Viniou Reviews

Castello di Ama’s 2019 Haiku is a striking red blend from the heart of Tuscany, Italy. This cuvée marries Sangiovese—the flagship grape of the region—with Cabernet Franc and Merlot, creating a wine that nods to both Tuscan tradition and international influences. The 2019 vintage benefited from a classic growing season, delivering an elegant structure with vibrant freshness. The grapes are meticulously hand-harvested from estate vineyards situated on the undulating Chianti hills, renowned for their stony, galestro-rich soils. Ageing typically occurs in French oak barriques for about a year, bestowing the final wine with subtle complexity and finesse.

Tuscany’s rolling landscape, moderate climate, and varied soils have long made it one of Italy’s greatest wine regions. While much of Tuscany is famous for producing DOCG-level wines, the lack of a rigid appellation for this wine allows Castello di Ama to experiment and express the terroir in a freer style. The region’s mild winters and hot, sun-drenched summers, tempered by cool breezes from the Apennines, yield grapes with both ripeness and elegance. The marriage of Sangiovese and Bordeaux varietals in this cuvée reflects a modern facet of the Tuscan wine renaissance, rooted in tradition yet keenly innovative.

For pairing, the 2019 Haiku beautifully complements classic Tuscan fare such as bistecca alla fiorentina, roasted lamb with herbs, or wild boar ragù. Its refined structure and subtle oak notes also make it an excellent companion to grilled vegetables, aged pecorino cheese, or even a savoury mushroom risotto. The wine’s vibrant acidity and polished tannins are versatile enough for both meat and vegetarian dishes, with its aromatic complexity lifting rustic, herby cuisine.

Enjoy the Castello di Ama Haiku at 16-18°C. Decanting for an hour before serving will allow its layered aromatics and supple texture to unfold. This wine can be enjoyed now for its youthful energy, or cellared for further complexity over the next five to eight years.