What kind of wine is Chianti Classico Gran Selezione DOCG 'San Lorenzo' 2020 - Castello di Ama

The Chianti Classico Gran Selezione DOCG 'San Lorenzo' 2020 - Castello di Ama is a red wine of great balance and elegance, a perfect synthesis of Tuscan tradition and modern winemaking expertise. It originates from a unique territory, the San Lorenzo valley, where the vineyards lie on ideal hillsides for cultivating Sangiovese, the main grape variety of this label. Small percentages of Merlot and Malvasia Nera complete its structure, contributing to enriching the wine's aromatic complexity.

This Gran Selezione represents the highest form of the Chianti Classico DOCG denomination, characterized by a careful selection of the best grapes and more rigorous aging rules. The result is a full-bodied red, with intense aromas and great harmony on the palate, capable of expressing the authentic character of the Ama terroir.

Vintage details

2020 was a balanced vintage, marked by regular climatic conditions without thermal excesses. The warm days and cool nights of September favored a slow and homogeneous ripening of the grapes, with excellent aromatic development and fine-grained tannins. The manual harvest allowed only the best bunches to be selected, ensuring quality and aromatic concentration in the final wine.

Vinification and aging

Alcoholic fermentation takes place in stainless steel tanks at controlled temperatures, with a maceration of about three weeks, useful for optimally extracting color and structure from the Sangiovese. After racking, the wine is transferred to French oak barriques, where it ages for about 12 months. This period in wood helps to soften the tannins, enrich the taste complexity, and impart that pleasant elegance that characterizes the wine's style.

Tasting notes

Color

Visually, the Chianti Classico Gran Selezione DOCG 'San Lorenzo' 2020 - Castello di Ama displays a deep ruby red color with garnet reflections, indicating concentration and maturity. The brilliance of the color reveals the wine's freshness and vitality.

Nose

The bouquet is broad and engaging: notes of ripe red fruits, currants, and black cherry emerge, followed by elegant spicy nuances and light balsamic notes. The wood is well integrated and imparts hints of vanilla and sweet tobacco, without ever overpowering the purity of the fruit.

Palate

On the palate, it is balanced and profound. The silky and well-polished tannins blend with a natural freshness that extends the sip. The structure is solid yet harmonious, while the aromatic persistence provides a long and refined finish, with echoes of spices and red fruits. It is a wine that combines strength and elegance, making every tasting a complete experience.

Food pairings for Chianti Classico Gran Selezione DOCG 'San Lorenzo' 2020 - Castello di Ama

This Chianti Classico finds its best balance with Tuscan cuisine and flavorful meat dishes. It is a versatile wine, capable of enhancing various preparations thanks to its structure and softness.

• Grilled or braised red meats, such as Florentine steak.
• Game dishes, particularly wild boar or stewed hare.
• Aged hard cheeses, such as Tuscan pecorino.
• First courses with rich sauces, such as pappardelle with duck or beef ragù.

Also perfect to enjoy on its own, as a meditation wine, to appreciate every sensory nuance.

Storage and aging: how to store Chianti Classico Gran Selezione DOCG 'San Lorenzo' 2020 - Castello di Ama

To preserve the qualities of this wine, it is important to store it in a cool, dark place, with a constant temperature of around 14-16°C and adequate humidity. The bottle should be kept lying down, so that the cork remains in contact with the wine, preserving its integrity.

The Chianti Classico Gran Selezione DOCG 'San Lorenzo' 2020 - Castello di Ama has excellent aging potential: it can evolve for over 10 years, developing more complex aromas of leather, spices, and balsamic notes. A wine that improves with time and rewards the patience of those who know how to wait for the perfect moment to uncork it.