2016 Chianti Classico San Lorenzo Gran Selezione
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Tasting Notes
I am a huge fan of Italian wines, in particular Castello di Ama’s San Lorenzo Chianti Classico Gran Selezione. I was fortunate enough to visit their stunning vineyard in Gaiole in Chianti, Siena last year where I got to experience how their wines are carefully produced, the various single vineyards, soil-types and terroir across the estate, as well as sampling their amazing portfolio of wines. They also have a stunning collection of contemporary art, which was very special to experience. The success of Castello di Ama lies with Lorenza Sebasti (daughter of one of the original owners) and winemaker Marco Pallanti. Over the years F+R have built a strong relationships with this winemaking duo. San Lorenzo is made from their estate grapes coming specifically from old vines. Ruby red in colour this is a delicately spiced, full bodied wine with a nose of black cherries, black pepper and dark chocolate. The 2016 San Lorenzo is beautiful, displaying all the sunshine and richness from the exceptional ‘16 vintage, balanced enough to drink and enjoy in its youth, but well-structured to continue to improve with age over the next decade and beyond. My favourite way to enjoy this wine is with a bowl of pasta al ragù. Quintessential Chianti Classico with such an expressive nose – copious black cherry, dried raspberry, dried cigar, exotic tea and dried flowers. The palate is already beautifully integrated and approachable with bright cherry fruit flavours and heady grilled herb notes and a serious multi-layered texture. The tannins are very elegant and silky, and beautifully integrated. (80% Sangiovese, 7% Merlot, 13% Malvasia Nera (which softens the palate and adds green aromatics to the blend).
Critic Scores
Average Score
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
Monica Larner, Wine Advocate
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The 2016 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Castello di Ama San Lorenzo is a blend taken from Ama's four core estate vineyards. Black cherry, graphite, sage, mint, juniper berries and licorice give the San Lorenzo a distinctly dark, brooding profile to match its powerful feel. The big tannins need time to soften, but there is certainly plenty to look forward to. Stylistically, San Lorenzo is closest to Bellavista, with which it shares a decidedly somber feel. This is such a gorgeous wine.
The 2016 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione San Lorenzo is immediately more inky and balsamic in terms of aromas. As soon as you lift the wine to your nose, you get pretty tones of blackberry, cassis, rosemary essence, licorice and a touch of medicinal herb. I love when Sangiovese produces those elegant aromas, and for that reason, this wine stands tall among the three single-vineyard expressions from Marco Pallanti and Castello di Ama. It shows fiber, richness and lasting structure with a very well-managed quality of tannins.
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About the producer
Castello di Ama is one of the pre-eminent estates in Chianti Classico. Situated in the southern-most district of the appellation, the estate has only been making wine since the late 1970s but has since built a reputation as one of the region’s best.