“San Lorenzo” Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Gaiole DOCG 2021 · MAGNUM

Castello di Ama | Tuscany
Castello di Ama s.r.l. s.a. | Loc. Ama | IT 53013 Gaiole in Chianti

09344021 · 1,5 l · 76,67 €/l · Price (DE) incl. VAT, excl. Shipping< 24 units available
Limitation of 1 articles per customer

As the Tuscan sun rises over the San Lorenzo Valley, it casts its golden light on the eighteen-year-old Pianigiani and Ricucci villas – the historic walls that gave this extraordinary Gran Selezione its name. It is a moment of silence before the story of a wine begins, which carries the quintessence of four legendary vineyards: Bellavista, Casuccia, San Lorenzo and Montebuoni. The 2021 vintage was a gift from nature to the winemakers of Chianti Classico. A rainy spring, which gave the vines the moisture they needed, was followed by a warm but not scorching summer. These climatic conditions gave the grapes a fullness and fleshiness that would later reveal itself in the glass as velvety opulence. Marco Pallanti, the driving force behind Castello di Ama since 1982 and former president of the Chianti Classico consortium, immediately recognised the extraordinary potential of this vintage.

A symphony of black cherries, redcurrants and violet petals in the glass. Behind this, earthy notes of tobacco, leather and graphite resonate, while a hint of liquorice and Mediterranean herbs round off the complex aromas. On the palate, the full power of the warm vintage is revealed: full-bodied, yet with crystalline precision, carried by a minerality that tells of the chalky, clayey soils at 460 to 520 metres above sea level. The tannins are silky firm, perfectly integrated into a structure that embodies both power and grace. A lively acidity runs through the wine like a red thread and leads to a finish of impressive length – a final that alternates between fruity sweetness and mineral rigour, always bearing the signature of its terroir. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright, medium ruby red colour with a brightening rim. Very elegant and delicate nose of cherries, cranberries and some cedar wood, very slightly smoky. Very precise on the palate, pleasantly juicy with fine-grained tannins and great length." Falstaff

"A classic blend of Sangiovese with Merlot and Malvasia Nera: notes of black berries, tobacco and flowers; compact on the palate with good acidity and a velvety berry finish." Vinum

"The 2021 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Castello di Ama San Lorenzo is packed with dark red fruit, liquorice, spice, leather and graphite. This is a decidedly potent Gran Selezione. Clean mineral notes prolong the finish and hint at a brilliant future. The sculptural style is very appealing. Again, you will need to be patient, as the 2021 is still very young." Vinous

"The 2021 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione San Lorenzo takes a few moments longer to open up in the glass, but unlike the La Casuccia, which holds back, this wine comes into its own quickly enough. The flavour profile of the wine is a little fleshier and fuller, which could be related to the warm conditions of the vintage. The San Lorenzo is a generous wine and a bottle to enjoy in the medium or long term." Wine Advocate

"The San Lorenzo, which skilfully bridges the gap between the entire Castello di Ama, is a selection of older vines from the estate's most important vineyards. It also contains both Merlot and Malvasia Nera, which contribute to the identity of the cru bottlings. In 2021, this flag bearer is a brilliant balance of fruit and territorial expression with skilfully integrated oak. Tobacco, iron and nutmeg permeate dark plums and cherries. The wine is very fluid and long, with a tangy, mouth-cleansing acidity. Articulate aromas and flavours together with fine tannins convey a sense of readiness - but the authoritative structure has the last word." Decanter

"Deep, dark and densely woven, with aromas and flavours of black cherry, blackberry, violet, iron and tobacco. The sinewy tannins are enhanced by the lively acidity, and everything comes together in the crystalline aftertaste, which reflects the fruity and floral elements. Power meets finesse." Wine Spectator

"This wine is really perfumed and beautiful, with black cherry, blackcurrant and violets. Full-bodied, with fully integrated tannins and a palate presence that is quite spectacular. Wonderful finish. Try after 2027." James Suckling