Castello di Ama
Chianti Classico Gran Selezione San Lorenzo 2018
| Denomination | DOCG Chianti Classico Gran Selezione |
|---|---|
| Size | 0,75 l |
| Alcohol content | 13.5% by volume |
| Area | Tuscany (Italy) |
| Grape varieties | 80% Sangiovese, 13% Merlot, 7% Malvasia Nera |
| Aging | After assembly following malolactic fermentation, maturation in fine-grained oak barriques (18% new) for approximately 10 months. |
| Other years | 2011 , 2013 , 2015 , 2016 , 2019 , 2020 , 2021 |
- Name and vintage: Chianti Classico Gran Selezione DOCG 2018, 13.5% vol
- Grape variety: Sangiovese 80%, Merlot 13%, Malvasia Nera 7% from estate vineyards
- Vinification: fermentation in steel, followed by malolactic fermentation and ageing in barriques
- Sensory profile: cherry, strawberry and spices; elegant tannins, fresh finish
- Serving: decant for 1 hour, serve at 16-17 °C with meats, game and cheeses
Description
What kind of wine it is
Castello di Ama Chianti Classico Gran Selezione San Lorenzo is a Tuscan red wine with a powerful yet elegant character, representing the highest expression of Chianti Classico Gran Selezione. This harmonious blend combines Sangiovese, Merlot and Malvasia Nera grapes, giving the palate remarkable finesse. On the palate, it is broad, supported by structured tannins that lead to a long and persistent finish. The bouquet offers intense aromas of ripe red fruits and sweet spices, perfectly balanced by a vivid freshness.
Where it comes from
The grapes are grown in the renowned estate vineyards of Castello di Ama, located between Ama and Lecchi, in the heart of Gaiole in Chianti. The vines grow at an optimal altitude, benefiting from an east and south-east exposure that ensures even ripening. The clay-limestone soils, rich in stones, provide excellent drainage, giving the fruit an intense aromatic concentration. This microclimate is characterised by significant temperature variations between day and night, a key factor in developing aromatic complexity and preserving the freshness of the harvest.
How it is produced
The manual harvest takes place between September and October, with careful selection of the bunches to preserve their integrity. In the winery, vinification is carried out separately for each variety. Fermentation occurs spontaneously thanks to the action of indigenous yeasts in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks; maceration on the skins is accompanied by continuous manual pumping over. Afterwards, the individual batches complete malolactic fermentation in wood. After blending, the wine matures in fine-grained oak barrels for about ten months, acquiring further elegance and perfect structural harmony.
History and Curiosities
San Lorenzo takes its name from the valley that hosts the vineyards of Castello di Ama, an area enriched by two eighteenth-century villas and the small church of the same name located in the hamlet. This prestigious Chianti Classico Gran Selezione DOCG, produced exclusively with estate-grown grapes and aged for 30 months, embodies the authentic identity of the region. Founded in 1976, the winery produced a memorable 2018 vintage, bottled in 89,780 precious bottles. A red wine of absolute distinction, it boasts the 3 Bicchieri Gambero Rosso award and an impressive 95 points from James Suckling.
Awards
-
2018
4Italian Sommelier Association (AIS) guide
Tasting notes
Perfume
Color
Taste
Serve at:
18 - 20 °C
Longevity:
10 - 15 years
Decanting time:
1 hour
- Start up year: 1976
- Oenologist: Marco Pallanti
- Bottles produced: 320.000
- Hectares: 75
To date, Castello di Ama owns and manages about 75 hectares of vineyards and 40 hectares of olive groves, relying on the work of more than 60 people. The role of general manager and oenologist is held continuously by Marco Pallanti, who served, between 2006 and 2012, as President of the Chianti Classico Consortium, bringing the contribution of the creation of the 'Gran Selezione' category with the aim of highlighting the extraordinary quality and diversity of the region's wines. Read more
| Name | Castello di Ama Chianti Classico Gran Selezione San Lorenzo 2018 |
|---|---|
| Type | Red still |
| Denomination | Chianti Classico DOCG |
| Vintage | 2018 |
| Size | 0,75 l |
| Alcohol content | 13.5% by volume |
| Grape varieties | 80% Sangiovese, 13% Merlot, 7% Malvasia Nera |
| Country | Italy |
| Region | Tuscany |
| Vendor | Castello di Ama |
| Story | History and Curiosities San Lorenzo takes its name from the valley that hosts the vineyards of Castello di Ama, an area enriched by two eighteenth-century villas and the small church of the same name located in the hamlet. This prestigious Chianti Classico Gran Selezione DOCG, produced exclusively with estate-grown grapes and aged for 30 months, embodies the authentic identity of the region. Founded in 1976, the winery produced a memorable 2018 vintage, bottled in 89,780 precious bottles. A red wine of absolute distinction, it boasts the 3 Bicchieri Gambero Rosso award and an impressive 95 points from James Suckling. |
| Origin | Località Ama in Chianti - Frazione Lecchi in Chianti - Gaiole in Chianti (SI) |
| Climate | Strong temperature variations between day and night |
| Soil composition | Medium-textured clay-limestone, rich in stones |
| Cultivation system | Vertical trellis with simple Guyot pruning |
| Plants per hectare | 2,800-5,500 |
| Harvest | Between late September and early October |
| Fermentation temperature | 30-33 °C |
| Fermentation | 22 days for Sangiovese, 25 days for Merlot, 26 days for Malvasia Nera |
| Production technique | Fermentation started with indigenous yeasts in stainless steel tanks at controlled temperature, with maceration and continuous manual pump-overs; malolactic fermentation and ageing in oak barriques |
| Wine making | Vinification initiated with indigenous yeasts and separated by variety in stainless steel tanks at controlled temperatures (30-33 °C), with maceration and continuous manual pump-overs; total cuvaison: 22 days for Sangiovese, 25 for Merlot, and 26 for Malvasia Nera. After racking, malolactic fermentation takes place in barriques. |
| Aging | After assembly following malolactic fermentation, maturation in fine-grained oak barriques (18% new) for approximately 10 months. |
| Year production | 89780 bottles |
| Allergens | Contains sulphites |