Castello dei Rampolla
Since 1739, the di Napoli family has owned and managed
the 13th-century estate of Castello dei Rampolla, which
is situated near Panzano in the heart of the Chianti
Classico zone. The legend at this historic property,
however, is predominantly a contemporary affair, and,
you could say, inspired by the pioneer Super-Tuscan,
Sassicaia. After cultivating a vineyard in 1965, Alceo
di Napoli was pretty content to sell most of the grapes
he grew to the Antinori family. He would likely have
continued to perform in this support role/behind-the-bottle
mode, but he was soon to emerge as his own mind behind,
having fallen in love with a wine that Antinori’s
then enologist, Giacomo Tachis, was closely involved
with—Sassicaia. This radical, Bordeaux-style wine
introduced d’Alceo to Cabernet Sauvignon, a grape
that was just getting its roots wet in Bolgheri’s
complementary ground. Of course, things above the soil
weren’t quite as accommodating, as Alceo was soon
to learn.
He endured fierce criticism for advocating the synergy
between the Panzano area of Chianti and Cabernet Sauvignon,
but it took only the 1980 vintage debut of Sammarco—a
predominantly Cabernet-based blend (featuring a small
percentage of Sangiovese, and, in more recent vintages,
Merlot) that he conceived with Giacomo Tachis—for
Alceo’s conviction to be validated. While this
Cab powerhouse is frequently positioned after its
inspiration, Sassicaia, as well as Antinori’s
Cabernet-based Solaia and Ornellaia, it nevertheless
is a significant entity in the pioneering Super-Tuscan
movement. Moreover, it is the original biodynamic
Super-Tuscan: the estate’s conversion to a wholly
biodynamic regimen transpired over the course of several
years and has been in effect for over a decade now.
The estate is also noted for its rigorous, uncompromising
viticultural practices, which emphasize high-density
planting and low yields. An artisanal mindset informs
all phases of production.
Truth be told, however, Sammarco somewhat lost its
position as the alpha/signature of the house with
the 1996 debut of fellow portfolio member Vigna d’Alceo.
Conceived by Alceo’s son, Luca, in homage to
his father, Vigna d’Alceo blends Alceo’s
TK Cabernet Sauvignon with Petit Verdot. The latter’s
contribution— unusual in the Super-Tuscan genre—renders
d’Alceo more potent than the most power hungry
of cult Cabernets, imparting a sleek and spicy dimension.
Its intense marriage of opulence and power has effectually
given it cult status, placing it in the realm of Masseto
and Messorio. Today, Luca and his sister, Maurizia,
continue to produce their father’s handcrafted
wines in cooperation with Tachis. In addition to Vigna
d’Alceo and Sammarco, the estate produces both
a normale and riserva Chianti Classico, as well as
a white dessert wine, Trebianco Vendemmia Tardina.
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