Castello dei Rampolla: Library Releases

BY ANTONIO GALLONI | OCTOBER 07, 2024

These library releases from Castello dei Rampolla offer fascinating insights into one of Italy’s most innovative estates and wines.

Castello dei Rampolla is a reference point in Chianti Classico. The estate occupies a striking position in Panzano’s fabled Conca d’Oro opposite Fontodi, just on the other side of this stunning amphitheater of vineyards. Alceo di Napoli dreamt of planting Bordeaux varieties using high-density spacing, something that was virtually unheard of in Chianti Classico in the 1970s and 1980s. In 1988, di Napoli started clearing land, then planted with olive trees and housed the property’s stables. Importantly, this site had never been farmed for grapes before, so it was virgin land. The first terraces were planted with Cabernet Sauvignon in 1991. Sadly, di Napoli passed away later that year and did not see the planting of two additional terraces, one in 1992 and another in 1994, that includes some Petit Verdot, along with the creation of D’Alceo, the estate’s flagship wine that bears his name.

Children Luca and Maurizia di Napoli returned to the estate in 1994. They immediately began a conversion to biodynamic farming, long before the concepts of sustainability were all the rage, as they are today. The D’Alceo plots had essentially been farmed biodynamically since the beginning, with minimal inputs, so they had no real previous history to speak of nor any conventional farming regime from which to adjust. D’Alceo, 85% Cabernet Sauvignon and 15% Petit Verdot, debuted with the 1996 vintage. Aging for these four wines was approximately 20 months in French oak, 1/3rd new.

The 2012 D’Alceo is a pretty, delicate wine that shows the more understated side of this hillside estate. Crushed flowers, sweet red-toned fruit, mint, spice and white pepper lend notable aromatic presence. The 2012 has always been on the lighter side (because of heavy rain during the summer) as it is once again today. Think of the 2012 as a D’Alceo with Pinot like structure, but decidedly Tuscan acids. It is a fine choice for drinking now and over the next decade or so. Perhaps more importantly, it points to the more finessed style that is the norm these days. 94/Drink 2024-2034.

The 2011 D’Alceo is exotic, bold and luscious. It captures the natural richness of the warm, dry growing season, yet possesses magnificent balance. Black cherry, plum, new leather, licorice and spice fill out the layers nicely. The 2011 is in a great spot for drinking today, as it shows some signs of maturity but remains fleshy and vibrant, with compelling inner sweetness and terrific balance. The 2011 was fabulous when it was first released. It is just as compelling today, not to mention a triumph for the year. 97/Drink 2024-2041.

The 2009 D’Alceo is a potent, tannic wine. At nearly fifteen years of age, the 2009 comes across as quite structured. Beams of tannin wrap around a core of red-toned fruit, iron, white pepper, pomegranate, spice and dried flowers. Time in the glass reveals myriad shades of dimension. The decision to pick on the early side paid off handsomely. The 2009 spent about 20 months in French oak, about 1/3rd new. It’s a terrific wine for a very warm year that I remember vividly from having spent time in Panzano over the summer. Give this a good bit of air. 96/Drink2024-2034.

The 2006 D’Alceo is a dark, sensual beauty. Black cherry, plum, licorice, incense, mocha, dried flowers and herbs build slowly in a regal, plush D’Alceo that is approaching its prime. I say approaching its prime because the 2006 is still a young wine. Only the aromatics provide a hint as to the wine’s age. Incisive tannins wrap around the driving, virile finish. I would be thrilled to own it. Actually, I do. The 2006 spent about 20 months in French oak, about 1/3rd new. 97/Drink 2024-2034.