Castello di Ama Chianti Classico Gran Selezione San Lorenzo 2021

Castello di Ama Chianti Classico Gran Selezione San Lorenzo 2021 is a refined and deeply expressive red that captures the very best of modern Chianti Classico. Sourced exclusively from estate-grown vines over 10 years old, it represents the pinnacle of the appellation, where provenance and precision go hand in hand. Named after the picturesque San Lorenzo valley that cradles the 18th-century villas Pianigiani and Ricucci, this cuvée tells a story of place, heritage and meticulous craftsmanship in every glass.

Tasting Notes
In the glass, San Lorenzo 2021 shows a vibrant, deep ruby core with youthful purple highlights, signaling both concentration and freshness. The nose opens with classic Chianti Classico aromas of ripe red cherries and wild berries, layered with notes of violet, dried rose, and hints of blood orange. Subtle undertones of tobacco leaf, cedar, Tuscan herbs, and a delicate spice from barrel aging add complexity and finesse. On the palate, the wine is elegant yet structured, with juicy Sangiovese-driven acidity that keeps the fruit lively and focused. Flavors of sour cherry, blackberry and plum are supported by fine-grained tannins, revealing touches of licorice, cocoa, and a savory, almost ferrous minerality that speaks clearly of the Ama terroir. The Merlot adds suppleness and mid-palate richness, while Malvasia Nera contributes aromatic lift and spice. The finish is long, poised and mouthwatering, suggesting excellent aging potential: this 2021 will reward cellaring for 10–15 years or more, gaining further complexity and harmony with time.

Production
The grapes for San Lorenzo Gran Selezione come from Castello di Ama’s own vineyards in the heart of Chianti Classico, where altitude, rocky galestro and limestone soils, and strong diurnal temperature swings combine to produce wines of tension and depth. Only estate fruit is used, as required for Gran Selezione, and the parcels are planted with Sangiovese complemented by smaller portions of Merlot and Malvasia Nera. Harvest is carried out by hand, allowing strict selection of bunches directly in the vineyard. In the cellar, the varieties are typically vinified separately in temperature-controlled tanks, with gentle extraction to preserve purity of fruit and the fine tannic structure. After fermentation, the wine matures in oak (often a mix of barriques and larger casks) for an extended period, before additional bottle aging ensures that the mandatory 30 months from harvest have passed and the wine is ready to be released with optimal balance and integration.

Food & Serving
This Gran Selezione is a natural companion to classic Tuscan cuisine and refined meat dishes. Pair it with bistecca alla fiorentina, roast lamb with rosemary, game birds, braised beef, or rich ragù over pappardelle; it also shines alongside aged Pecorino Toscano and hard Italian cheeses. For best enjoyment, serve at 16–18°C. Decanting for 1–2 hours in its youth helps the bouquet open and softens the tannins; as the wine ages, a shorter decant or simply opening the bottle in advance will be sufficient to reveal its full complexity.

Producer
Castello di Ama is one of the leading estates in Chianti Classico, renowned for its pioneering role in elevating the region’s wines to world-class status. Located in the village of Ama, in the Gaiole subzone of Tuscany, the estate has been carefully restored and developed since the 1970s, with a strong focus on expressing individual vineyards and refining Sangiovese at higher altitudes. Over the decades, Castello di Ama has become a benchmark producer for Chianti Classico, frequently earning high critical acclaim and helping to shape the Gran Selezione category from its inception. Their combination of meticulous vineyard work, thoughtful winemaking, and a deep respect for tradition has cemented their reputation as a reference point for elegant, terroir-driven Tuscan reds.