Castello di Ama Chianti Classico Gran Selezione San Lorenzo 2020

Castello di Ama Chianti Classico Gran Selezione San Lorenzo 2020 is a polished, modern expression of top-tier Chianti Classico, crafted exclusively from estate-grown fruit in the hills of Gaiole. Named after the picturesque San Lorenzo valley that cradles the 18th-century villas of Pianigiani and Ricucci, it brings together elegance, depth and unmistakable Tuscan character. As a Gran Selezione – the highest quality tier in Chianti Classico – it offers remarkable precision, authenticity of origin and the structure to age gracefully.

Tasting Notes
In the glass, San Lorenzo 2020 shows a deep, vibrant ruby colour with garnet hints at the rim, reflecting both concentration and youth. The nose is vivid and layered: ripe sour cherry and wild berries are woven with notes of violet, blood orange, tobacco leaf, cedar, and subtle spice, along with a touch of balsamic and earthy minerality that speak clearly of Chianti Classico. On the palate, the wine is medium to full-bodied with a beautiful interplay of richness and tension. Sangiovese leads with juicy red cherry, plum and pomegranate, while Merlot adds dark fruit volume and Malvasia Nera contributes spice and floral complexity. Fine-grained tannins frame the fruit without overwhelming it, supported by a lively, mouth-watering acidity that keeps everything precise and energetic. Hints of graphite, sweet herbs and cocoa echo on a long, savoury finish. Enjoyable now with a short decant, it has the structure and balance to evolve over 10–15 years, gaining more tertiary notes of leather, forest floor and dried flowers.

Production
The grapes for San Lorenzo 2020 come exclusively from Castello di Ama’s own vineyards surrounding the historic hamlet of Ama in Gaiole in Chianti, at altitudes often between roughly 400 and 500 metres. The soils are classic Chianti Classico – a mix of rocky galestro and alberese – giving low yields, excellent drainage and pronounced mineral character. Vines are over 10 years old (many significantly older), and the estate focuses on careful, often manual vineyard work, including green harvest and rigorous selection at picking to ensure only perfectly ripe clusters are used. Harvest is carried out by hand, parcel by parcel, with Sangiovese, Merlot and Malvasia Nera vinified separately. Fermentation typically takes place in temperature-controlled stainless-steel tanks with gentle extraction to preserve fragrance and finesse, followed by maturation in oak (a mix of mostly used and some new barriques and tonneaux) to integrate tannins and add subtle complexity without masking the fruit. As a Gran Selezione, the wine must be estate-grown and is released no earlier than 30 months after harvest, including extended time in both wood and bottle before it leaves the cellar.

Food & Serving
Castello di Ama San Lorenzo 2020 is a versatile yet sophisticated food wine, ideal with classic Tuscan dishes such as bistecca alla fiorentina, grilled lamb, wild boar ragù, pappardelle with game, and roasted pork with herbs. It also pairs beautifully with aged Pecorino, Parmigiano-Reggiano, mushroom-based dishes and truffle-inflected cuisine, as well as simple preparations of grilled vegetables and rosemary-scented roast chicken. Serve at 16–18°C (60–64°F) in a large Burgundy or Bordeaux-style glass to allow the bouquet to open fully. For current drinking, decant 1–2 hours in advance to soften the tannins and bring out the aromatic complexity; older bottles will benefit from a gentler, shorter decant to remove sediment.

Producer
Castello di Ama is one of the leading lights of Chianti Classico, located in the commune of Gaiole, in a tiny medieval hamlet that gives the estate its name. Founded in the 1970s, the winery has been instrumental in redefining the reputation of Chianti Classico through meticulous vineyard work, terroir-focused winemaking and a modern yet respectful approach to Sangiovese. With vineyards planted at high elevations on poor, rocky soils, Castello di Ama has become renowned for its elegant, ageworthy reds, including several highly rated Gran Selezione bottlings such as San Lorenzo. The estate is also known for its integration of contemporary art into the landscape, underscoring its role not just as a producer of fine wine, but as a cultural reference point in Tuscany and a benchmark for quality in the region.

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