Wine Advisor
Castello Dei Rampolla, d'Alceo Toscana 2010
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Description
“D’Alceo” fully reflects the character of the vineyard from which it originates. It is intense, warm, refined and elegant. Well-ripened red fruits blend perfectly with delicate notes of cigar and tobacco – an amazing concentration with no heaviness.
Tasting notes
Reviewed by: James Suckling
Plenty of currant, herb and mineral character. Bright and lifted with so much complexity. Medium to full body, fine tannins and a fresh finish. Layered and beautiful. From organically grown grapes. Cabernet sauvignon and petit verdot. Better in 2016.
Reviewed by: Monica Larner
The 2010 Vigna d’Alceo Vino da Tavola is Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot folded so deep within one another, it’s difficult to hear the varietal voice of the wine. Dried cherries and blackberry appear as primary tones, but the wine also offers a good dose of spice, black olive, rosemary twig and dried plum. The wine takes its time to open in the glass and will probably require much patience in terms of cellar aging as well.
About the Producer
Castello dei Rampolla was founded in 1956, however the history of its owners, the Napoli Rampolla family, dates back on this site to 1739. The estate is based in the hilltop town of Panzano, and is famed for the Conca d’Oro (golden basin) – an outstanding natural amphitheatre composed of the village’s hillsides, neighbouring Fontodi. It was under the stewardship of Alceo di Napoli Rampolla in the second half of the twentieth century that Castello dei Rampolla began to make a name for itself. Having been inspired by Mario Incisa della Rocchetta – the legendary creator of Sassicaia – Alceo decided to attempt his own Bordeaux style wine with Cabernet Sauvignon. He recruited the help of world famous consultant oenologist Giacomo Tachis and soon enough Castello dei Rampolla’s ability to incarnate Bordeaux blends in Tuscany pushed the estate into the spotlight. Their wine, Sammarco, became a superstar in the Castello dei Rampolla collection, despite criticism from Chianti Classico traditionalists in the region.
