Castello di Ama - Chianti Classico Gran Selezione 'San Lorenzo' 2021

Castello di Ama was founded in 1976, and is located in Gaiole in Chianti, within the additional geographical unit of the same name (UGA), located in the heart of Tuscany. It is located about 12 miles northeast of Siena in the hills of Gaiole. This is the heart of Chianti Classico, a bucolic rolling landscape of woods, vineyards and olive groves.

The estate is currently helmed by CEO Lorenza Sebasti, a member of the second generation of one of the four founding families. Marco Pallanti, who was once the President of the Chicanti Classico Consorzio, has been the winemaker and technical director at Castello di Ama since 1982.

Castello di Ama is known for their commitment to excellence, which they believe begins in the vineyards. This is shown through respect and care for the land, manual processing of the grapes, and very low yields per acre.

Castello di Ama San Lorenzo is named after the picturesque San Lorenzo valley
viewed from the estate’s eighteenth-century Villa Pianigiani and Villa Ricucci. This wine is produced from the finest grapes grown in the historic vineyards Bellavista, Casuccia, San Lorenzo and Montebuoni. An expression of Sangiovese blended with the smallest quantities of Merlot and Malvasia Nera, the hallmarks of this complex wine are finesse, elegance, intensity, length and freshness.

80% Sangiovese, 13% Merlot, 7% Malvasia Nera; alcohol: 13.5%; vines from Bellavista, Casuccia, San Lorenzo and Montebuoni vineyards between 1510-1720 feet; hand harvested September 13 – October 6, 2021; lots vinified separately using only ambient yeasts; fermented at controlled temperatures 86–91°F in stainless steel tanks; malolactic fermentation then blending in oak barriques; aged in 22% new oak barriques for 12 months; bottled in June 2023.

"This is really perfumed and gorgeous, with black cherries, blackcurrants and violets. Full-bodied with totally integrated tannins and a palate presence that is pretty spectacular. Wonderful finish. Give this three or four years. Try after 2027." - 99 Points, James Suckling

"This wine represents a selection of the best Sangiovese sourced from various plots with a tiny addition of Merlot and Malvasia Nera. The Castello di Ama 2021 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione San Lorenzo takes a few extra moments to open in the glass, but unlike the La Casuccia that holds back, this wine comes into full view quickly enough. The wine’s flavor profile is a little meatier and fuller, and this could be linked to the warm vintage conditions. San Lorenzo is a generous wine, and it is a bottle you can enjoy in the medium or long term. 2024 – 2040." - 95 Points, Wine Advocate 

"Deep, dark and densely wrought, featuring black cherry, blackberry, violet, iron and tobacco aromas and flavors. Its sinewy tannins are enhanced by the vivid acidity. Everything comes together on the crystalline aftertaste, which echoes the fruit and floral elements. Power meets finesse. Sangiovese and Merlot. Best from 2028 through 2050." - 95 Points, Wine Spectator

Producer: Castello di Ama

Country: Italy

Region: Tuscany

Varietal: Sangiovese, Merlot, Malvasia Nera

Appellation: Chianti Classico DOCG

Vintage: 2021

Size: 750ml