Castello dei Rampolla - Chianti Classico 2022

The 2020 Chianti Classico is Sangiovese with small parts Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. This is a lovely wine with a level of punchiness, brightness and inner energy that is never easy to achieve, especially in a warm vintage such as this. That's the Panzano magic, enhanced in this case by the estate's non-interventionist winemaking philosophy. You'll love to drink this entry-level wine no matter what your personal preference in Sangiovese style. Production is 31,373 bottles.

My absolute favorite wine of 2022 was a bottle of the Castello dei Rampolla 2006 d'Alceo that I had the good fortune to drink at dinner during a work event in Tuscany last year. I remember the wine vividly, and if I were to review it again, it would certainly merit a perfect score. With that profound inspiration in mind, I feel especially optimistic toward this outstanding group of new releases from Maurizia di Napoli and her talented team. This historic estate has farmed according to organic and biodynamic methods since 1994, making it one of the first in Italy to do so. In truth, I have found some inconsistencies along the way over the many years I have reviewed and adored these wines. Such is the magic of artisanal winemaking. But thanks to that memory of that 2006 d'Alceo, I remain in awe of Castello dei Rampolla today.