Wines Napa Valley Castello di Amorosa - sangiovese - 2020

Viniou Reviews

Castello di Amorosa's 2020 Sangiovese blend from Napa Valley is a vibrant expression of Old World charm meeting New World depth. This red wine, crafted primarily from Sangiovese, is inspired by the great wines of Tuscany yet fully embraces the unique conditions of California’s renowned AVA Napa Valley. The 2020 vintage benefited from a temperate growing season, allowing Sangiovese’s lively acidity and signature cherry and red berry notes to develop beautifully alongside Napa’s hallmark ripe fruit character. Winemakers at Castello di Amorosa favor a traditional approach: carefully selected grapes are fermented in stainless steel, then matured in a mix of French and American oak barrels, lending subtle spice and softening the tannins without overwhelming the fruit.

Napa Valley, world-famous for premium vineyard sites, enjoys a Mediterranean climate superbly suited to Sangiovese. Warm daytime temperatures encourage the development of concentrated fruit flavors, while cool nights preserve the grape’s natural vibrancy and aromatic lift. The region’s varied soils, from volcanic ash to gravelly loam, offer excellent drainage and plenty of complexity. Though the area is best known for Cabernet Sauvignon, the valley’s longer history with Italian immigrants saw Sangiovese and other varietals successfully planted, and today visionary producers like Castello di Amorosa continue a tradition of excellence with these blends.

This Sangiovese is a superb companion for food, echoing its Tuscan roots. It pairs seamlessly with tomato-based dishes, such as pasta all’Amatriciana, lasagna, or wood-fired pizzas topped with cured meats. The wine’s freshness makes it ideal for grilled meats like lamb chops or Tuscan-style steak. For a California twist, try it with herb-roasted chicken or wild mushroom risotto. Its versatility also extends to charcuterie platters featuring prosciutto, aged Parmesan, and olives.

Enjoy this wine at a slightly cool room temperature, ideally between 16 and 18°C. Decant the bottle for about 30 minutes before serving to enhance its aromatic complexity and balance. The 2020 vintage can be savored now for its youthful fruit or cellared for a few more years to allow for further integration and subtlety.