Ampeleia | Tuscany | Ampeleia IGT | 2018 | 1500ml | bio

Description

Product description for Ampeleia Ampeleia IGT 2018 (bio)

Ampeleia is the top wine and namesake of the winery in the Maremma. Cabernet Franc is the distinctive grape variety, which, according to Ampeleia, delivers unique qualities in southern Tuscany: Roccatederighi and Cabernet Franc form a rare synergy, from which the winery was born in 2002. The cuvée, once made up of six grape varieties, is now limited solely to Cabernet Franc. The vineyards for Ampeleia are spread around the winery, planted on clay-limestone soils and located at various altitudes. After being hand-harvested, the grapes, with 15% whole bunches, ferment spontaneously before the wines age for a further 12 months in wooden vats.

Colour

Dark purple with a black core and violet reflections.

Nose

The 2018 Ampeleia from Società Agricola Ampeleia presents itself on the nose with a full hedonistic broadside. The top note blends mint, thyme, and orange blossom water, framed by a fine woody spice of cedar and sandalwood in the heart. The fruity base consists of black cherries, cranberries, and cassis, complemented by black cardamom and sloe. Despite its apparent openness, the Ampeleia demands a carafe in its youth.

Palate

Fleshy with a firm bite, it is rich in extract with deep, dark fruit and leafy tannins on the first sip. With full fruit up front, the fruit is reflected in the nose and is spicy underpinned by peppery notes on the palate. Despite its fullness and power, it has a fine bite for an athletically trained body. The balancing act between concentration and silkiness is achieved seemingly effortlessly and is fueled by the ripe acidity and the distinctly minty, cool finish.

Copyright Vinaturel 2025

Keywords: Ampeleia Ampeleia IGT 2018 bio Tuscany Italy

Wine Advocate

Score: 92

A biodynamic and organic wine, the Ampeleia 2018 Ampeleia is all Cabernet Franc from a vineyard site that extends up to 600 meters in elevation. It gets cool mountain nights and the warm sunny days of the Tuscan coast. The alcohol content is a contained 12.5%, which is a small miracle in its own right, especially for a part of the peninsula where fruit ripens quickly. This is a unique growing site. The wine opens to a medium-dark color with macerated aromas of dark cola, cherry cola and crushed peppercorn.
Lisa Perrotti-Brown

Vinous

Score: 93

The 2018 Ampeleia is bright and effusive right out of the gate. Red-toned fruit, kirsch, blood orange, mint, spice and dried herbs all meld together in a medium-bodied, gracious wine that is beautifully balanced. Cabernet Franc at elevation is so unique here.
— Antonio Galloni
Drinking window: 2023 – 2030
Review date: Aug 2023

Producer website: https://www.ampeleia.it/en/