Castello dei Rampolla is a family-run wine estate located in the southern valley of Chianti Classico known as the “Conca d’Oro,” the Golden Basin. The land on which it stands has been owned by the di Napoli Rampolla family since 1739.

The estate produced its first bottles of Chianti Classico in 1975. The first bottles of Sammarco, a Cabernet Sauvignon with Merlot and Sangiovese, were released in 1982. Castello dei Rampolla began practicing biodynamic farming in 1994, producing their first biodynamic wine, D’Alceo, in 1996.

Vigna d’Alceo is Castello dei Rampolla’s first biodynamic wine. It represents a union between the two generations of the Castello dei Rampolla winery: Cabernet Sauvignon and Petit Verdot as the founder Alceo, wished and biodynamic as his children, Luca and Maurizia, practice.

The wine is fermented in concrete, then aged in 500L barrels for 12-15 months and in bottle for 18-24. It 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.

The 2015 Castello dei Rampolla Vigna d'Alceo IGT is a remarkable red wine hailing from the renowned region of Tuscany, Italy. This proprietary blend showcases the expertise of the esteemed Castello dei Rampolla winery, known for their commitment to quality and tradition.

In the glass, this wine displays a deep and alluring red color, promising a rich and complex tasting experience. The nose is immediately captivated by a symphony of aromas, with notes of charcoal, vanilla, and dried blackberries mingling with enticing hints of barbecued meat and resin. This bouquet is a testament to the meticulous craftsmanship that went into creating this exceptional wine.

On the palate, the Vigna d'Alceo reveals its full-bodied nature and impressive structure. The chewy tannins provide a firm backbone, perfectly complementing the abundance of dark fruit flavors that unfold on the tongue. A delicate line of acidity adds brightness and balance, preventing the wine from becoming overly heavy.

Renowned wine critic James Suckling awarded this vintage a score of 95, praising its raw power and impressive potential for aging. He suggests enjoying this wine in 2027, allowing it to further evolve and develop its full potential.

Wine Enthusiast also lauds this red, awarding it a score of 94. The publication describes the wine as savory and earthy, with aromas of truffle, leather, crushed violet, mature blueberry, and molten chocolate. The velvety tannins provide a polished support, while hints of game add complexity to the smooth palate. They recommend enjoying this wine through 2025.

Wine Spectator is equally impressed, awarding this vintage a score of 96. They note the concentrated flavors of blackberry, black currant, earth, and leafy underbrush. They caution that the wine's stiff tannins may require decanting or some additional aging, but once matured, the wine delivers excellent intensity, energy, and length. They recommend serving it alongside grilled steak or lamb.

Robert Parker's Wine Advocate gives this vintage a score of 91. While they appreciate the wine's density and richness, they do note a slight flaw on the bouquet, suggesting a distant hint of rubber or animal. Despite this, they acknowledge the wine's potential to improve with bottle aging, but they refrain from assigning an extended drinking window as they have for previous vintages.

In conclusion, the 2015 Castello dei Rampolla Vigna d'Alceo IGT is a truly exceptional red wine from Tuscany, showcasing the winery's commitment to quality and craftsmanship. With its complex aromas, powerful structure, and impressive accolades from renowned critics, this wine is a must-try for any discerning wine enthusiast.