Wines Tuscany Castello dei Rampolla - Sammarco - 2019

Viniou Reviews

Castello dei Rampolla's Sammarco 2019 is an emblematic Tuscan red, crafted under the Toscana IGT designation. This cuvée, born from biodynamic principles, brings together a classic yet bold blend, typically featuring Cabernet Sauvignon as the backbone, harmoniously balanced with Merlot and sometimes a touch of Sangiovese. The 2019 vintage is shaped by a favourable long growing season, allowing for optimal ripeness and finesse. Vinification here leans on minimal intervention: fermentation with indigenous yeasts, gentle extraction, and extended ageing, often in French oak barrels, contributing to the wine’s structure and complexity. In the glass, Sammarco is known for its deep colour, intense bouquet of blackcurrant, cherry, cigar box and Mediterranean herbs, evolved with polished tannins and remarkable freshness.

Tuscany, and specifically the region around Panzano in Chianti where Castello dei Rampolla is situated, enjoys a classic Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers tempered by altitude and cooling breezes from the Apennines. The soils are a patchwork of galestro ( friable schist), albarese (limestone) and clay, providing excellent drainage and complexity to the wines. The area is steeped in history, with viticulture dating back centuries, and today it is a beacon of Italy’s organic and biodynamic movement, marrying tradition with respect for the land.

For food pairings, Sammarco’s intensity and elegance make it a superb companion for robust Tuscan cuisine. Pair it with bistecca alla fiorentina, wild boar ragù pappardelle, or a rustic roast lamb with rosemary and garlic. Mature hard cheeses, such as pecorino toscano, also complement its depth beautifully. Dishes with truffles or earthy mushrooms will echo the wine’s savoury complexity.

To enjoy Sammarco at its best, decant it at least an hour before serving to allow full expression of its aromatic profile. Serve at a temperature of 16-18°C. This is a wine that can be enjoyed now for its primary fruit and vibrancy, but will also reward patient cellaring for a decade or more.