Castello di Ama Chianti Classico Gran Selezione San Lorenzo 2013

Castello di Ama Chianti Classico Gran Selezione San Lorenzo 2013 is a flagship expression of Chianti Classico, crafted from select parcels surrounding the picturesque San Lorenzo valley, framed by 18th‑century villas. This Gran Selezione represents the pinnacle of the estate’s production, drawn only from older vines and parcels that consistently deliver exceptional phenolic ripeness and depth. In many ways, it is a snapshot in a glass of the Ama terroir—an elegant, ageworthy wine that captures the soul of contemporary Tuscan winemaking.

Tasting Notes
In the glass, the 2013 San Lorenzo shows a deep, luminous ruby core with garnet nuances emerging at the rim, reflecting its evolution in bottle. The nose is layered and expressive: ripe red and black cherries, wild berries, and plum mingle with notes of dried rose, violet, and Mediterranean herbs. Subtle oak tones of cedar, sweet spice, and a hint of tobacco and cocoa add complexity without dominating the fruit. On the palate, this Gran Selezione is both polished and structured. Sangiovese brings tension and vibrant acidity, while Merlot lends a supple, velvety mid‑palate and Malvasia Nera adds aromatic lift and spice. Flavors of sour cherry, blackberry, and blood orange peel unfold into savory notes of leather, graphite, and a touch of balsamic. The tannins are fine‑grained yet firm, giving the wine a long, precise finish that still feels fresh and energetic. The 2013 vintage has excellent aging potential: while already harmonious now, well‑stored bottles can continue to develop tertiary complexity—truffle, undergrowth, and dried flowers—for another 8–10 years or more.

Production
San Lorenzo is sourced from estate vineyards around the hamlet of Ama in the heart of Chianti Classico, at relatively high altitudes where stony, limestone‑rich and galestro (marl) soils help deliver intensity, minerality, and natural freshness. The fruit comes from older vines and from parcels that have reached optimal polyphenolic maturity, ensuring depth of color, fine tannins, and aromatic complexity. Grapes are hand‑harvested, with strict selection both in the vineyard and on the sorting table to include only perfectly ripe, healthy clusters. After gentle crushing, fermentation takes place in temperature‑controlled vessels, with careful maceration to extract color and structure without harshness. The wine is then aged in small oak barrels (predominantly French) for an extended period, allowing the different components—Sangiovese, Merlot, and Malvasia Nera—to integrate and gain complexity before final blending and bottling.

Food & Serving
This is a gastronomic wine that shines at the table. Pair it with classic Tuscan dishes such as bistecca alla fiorentina, slow‑braised beef or lamb, ragù‑based pastas, or roasted game birds. It also complements aged pecorino, hard cow’s milk cheeses, and earthy dishes featuring porcini mushrooms or truffle. Serve at 16–18°C (about 60–64°F) to highlight its aromatic complexity and refined structure. For bottles opened in the near term, decanting for 1–2 hours is recommended to allow the wine to fully open and soften its tannins, especially given the structure of the 2013 vintage.

Producer
Castello di Ama is one of the most respected and innovative estates in Chianti Classico, located in the commune of Gaiole in Chianti. The property, centered around a historic hamlet and 18th‑century villas, began its modern renaissance in the 1970s and has since become a benchmark for high‑quality, terroir‑driven Tuscan wines. By focusing on precise vineyard mapping, low yields, and meticulous cellar work, Castello di Ama helped elevate Chianti Classico to a new level of international recognition. The introduction of top cuvées such as the Gran Selezione San Lorenzo has reinforced the estate’s role as a standard‑bearer for the appellation, regularly earning critical acclaim and underscoring its significance in the region’s quality pyramid.

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